Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Sunday, 21 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 July 2002. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Answer of 28th June 2002 at 387 c880W, on the Silverstone Bypass, if he will (a) place his letter of direction in the Library, (Dep 02/1733) (b) state the component reasons of the wider national interest that justified his decision and (c) state the category of direction; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures and fact that copy of letter in Library.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 2002 to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster), Official Report, column 880W, on the Silverstone Bypass, if he will (a) place his letter of direction in the Library, (b) state the component reasons of the wider national interest that justified his decision and (c) state the category of direction; and if he will make a statement. [70237] Mr. Jamieson: A copy of the letter of direction from the then Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions my right hon. Friend the Member for Tyneside, North (Mr. Byers) to the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency has been deposited in the Library. The British Grand Prix is an important global showcase for the UK motorsport industry, which is estimated to contribute approximately £5 billion annually to the national economy. In addition it brings about £30 million to the local economy over the Grand Prix weekend. In the light of doubts expressed by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) about retaining the British Grand Prix at Silverstone because of access problems in previous years, Ministers felt that the wider national interest would be best served by speeding up the Silverstone project and thereby providing the best available road access for this year's event. The direction was sought for reasons of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

Secondary information