§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made with the studies of improvements to the A453 between Kegworth and Clifton; when the results will be published; and if he will make a statement on the future of road links between the M1 motorway and the city of Nottingham. [114323]
§ Mr. HillThe current study of the A453 corridor is part of the national programme of multi-modal studies to consider movements by all modes within specific corridors. In the East Midlands, consultants have been appointed for two studies (one on the A453 and the second on the M1 corridor, including routes into Kegworth). Work began in December 1999. The conclusions of both studies will be presented to the East Midlands Regional Planning Forum next year. The Secretary of State will then consider the Planning Forum's recommendations in the light of the studies' results.
The A453 is one of the three trunk road links between the M1 and the City of Nottingham. All fall within the remit of the studies. I cannot anticipate the study outcomes but, in accordance with the Government's integrated transport policies, they will relate to transport by all modes.