§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce a decision on the funding of the Cumberland Gap section of the M6 in Cumbria. [88350]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 28 June 1999]: Following the Roads Review last year we announced that we would not be taking forward the M6 extension scheme between Carlisle and Guardsmill as it was then designed but that the Highways Agency would be tasked with considering lower cost options to upgrade the A74 to motorway standard. Cumbria CC has since been commissioned to carry out the study into lower cost options. Decisions on the timing and finance of the scheme will be made following receipt of the study report which is expected in August.