§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on proposals to create a tunnel at Stonehenge. [35560]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 12 February 2002]: I have been asked to reply.
The proposals to build a 2 km cut and cover tunnel to take the A303 past Stonehenge were announced in July 1998 in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England" as an "exceptional environmental scheme". They are the central component of a wider set of proposals. set out in the Stonehenge master plan to restore the world heritage site and the scheduled ancient monument to its pre-historic setting.
The Highways Agency is currently seeking feasibility proposals and costs from the construction industry which include two options for the tunnel: a 2 km cut and cover tunnel and a 2 km shallow bored tunnel. The proposals will be scrutinised carefully to ensure that they meet the agreed requirements for this archaeologically important site, offer value for money and deliver the best balance of benefits.
The aim is to begin the necessary statutory procedures later this year. Subject to the outcome, construction could start in 2005.