§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans to improve the A74 between Carlisle and the Scottish border. [154229]
§ Mr. HillI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Eric Martlew, dated 20 March 2001
The Transport Minister, Keith Hill. has asked me to reply to your recent question about plans to improve the A74 between Carlisle and the Scottish border.
The design agents appointed last September are currently assessing route options for a dual three-lane motorway using as much of the existing route as possible. We are aiming to consult the public next summer on the proposals that emerge. Progress thereafter will depend on the outcome of the consultations and how quickly we can then complete the necessary statutory procedures. As with all schemes in the Targeted Programme of Improvements announced in 1998, the aim is to start work within seven years, although we will better that if we can.
If you would like any further information about this matter, you may wish to contact the Agency's Project Sponsor for the scheme, John Hornagold, at Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza. Manchester, M1 4BE (telephone 0161 930 5725).