§ Mr. David MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be in a position to announce the go-ahead for the Newbury bypass; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe decision following the 1992 public inquiry into supplementary proposals for the A34 Newbury bypass and the compulsory purchase of the land needed for the scheme was issued on 25 March. In accordance with the inspector's recommendations my right hon. Frends the Secretaries of State for Transport and for the Environment are minded to make the remaining statutory orders for the scheme, subject to consultations on a number of modifications to the published proposals. Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of these consultations and availability of funds, I hope that work will start on this much-needed bypass early next year.