§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the estimated date for submission 187W to his Department of the inspector's report following the planning inquiry into the Birmingham northern relief road; and when he expects to be in a position to make a decision and when an announcement on whether the road is to be approved; [3188]
(2) what has been the overall cost of conducting the planning public inquiry into the Birmingham northern relief road (a) excluding and (b) including the fees of the inspector. [3189]
§ Mr. WattsGiven the length of the inquiry, the report cannot be expected for some time. When it has been received, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport will reach their joint decision as quickly as possible.
The final cost of the inquiry to the Highways Agency is estimated at £1.59 million, of which £210,000 is the fees for the inspector and his team.