Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the air quality samples taken at the Ferrybridge junior and infant school used as evidence at the public inquiry into the A1 Ferrybridge to Hookmoor proposals; and if he will make a statement. [3720]
§ Mr. WattsThe effect of the proposed scheme on air quality was outlined in the air quality report included in the environmental statement published in February 1995. Further information about air quality was published during the public inquiry held between 18 October and 3 November.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what kind of transcript service was used at the public inquiry into the proposed A1 development from Ferrybridge to Hookmore. [3717]
§ Mr. WattsI refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 8 November 1995,Official Report, column 899.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the prevailing winds were taken into consideration when assessing the air quality at the Ferrybridge junior and infant school for the purpose of evidence at the A1 Ferrybridge to Hookmoor proposals. [3715]
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration led to the decision to take no samples of particulates by the air quality witness at the 185W public inquiry into the proposals for the Al Ferrybridge to Hookmoor proposals. [3719]
§ Mr. WattsSampling is not normally carried out for new road schemes. In this case particulate levels have been predicted using the methodology in the design manual for roads and bridges. Estimates of particulates were made at 43 selected properties alongside the new route. All the levels were found to be well within the EC limit.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport who decided the length of time allocated to the public inquiry into the Al Ferrybridge to Hookmoor proposals. [3716]
§ Mr. WattsThe independent inspector, appointed by the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport, on the nomination of the Lord Chancellor, is fully responsible for the conduct and overall length of the inquiry.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the involvement of the Highways Agency in a public inquiry into a major motorway within the terms of the answer of 8 November,Official Report, column 899. [3718]
§ Mr. WattsWhen my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport announce the intention to hold a public inquiry, it is for the Highways Agency to arrange it, though the conduct of the inquiry remains the sole responsibility of the inspector. Agency representatives would also attend the inquiry to give evidence in support of the proposals.