§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the start of construction on the Cumberland Gap. [107577]
§ Mr. HillFollowing the Road Review, a lower cost option for upgrading of the A74 between Carlisle and Guardsmill to motorway has been identified. We are today adding this scheme to our targeted programme of trunk road improvements and it will now be developed by the Highways Agency. Subject to the completion of statutory procedures the aim will be to let a contract for the scheme in 2004.