HC Deb 26 May 1993 vol 225 cc570-1W
Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the usual length of time between the announcement of a public inquiry into a major road improvement scheme and its first hearing.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

The length of time between formal announcement and the opening of an inquiry varies according to the circumstances of the individual scheme. It is never less than six weeks in order to allow sufficient time for all parties to prepare their case.