§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the M6 motorway extension to the M74 will be completed. [27428]
§ Mr. SpellarProposals to upgrade the A74 to motorway standard between Carlisle and Guardsmill were added to the Government's targeted programme of improvements in March 2000.
Following the completion of surveys and economic and environmental assessments, the public were consulted last autumn on the options and we hope to announce a preferred route this spring. Progress thereafter will depend on how swiftly we can complete the necessary statutory procedures. The aim is to complete the scheme within the next five to six years, although we will better that if we can.