Written question asked by Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 February 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 28 February 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when the roads-based A3 Hindhead study will report; what is the cost of the project; what plans he has to include a local planning conference as part of the study; when he plans to visit Hindhead; and if he will make a statement. - Including figures.

Answer: Mrs. Virginia Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the roads-based A3 Hindhead study will report; what is the cost of the project; what plans he has to include a local planning conference as part of the study; when he plans to visit Hindhead; and if he will make a statement. [110200] Mr. Hill: The A3 Hindhead study is expected to report in autumn 2000. The Regional Planning Body will advise the Secretary of State on the way forward in the light of the study's conclusions and recommendations. The cost of the bored tunnel solution was estimated at the time of the Roads Review as being £110 million. Sufficient funds have been put aside from the Highway Agency's budget to cover the cost of the current study. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to include a local planning conference as part of the study process. However, the study is to be undertaken in an open and inclusive manner ensuring that the voice of the local community and other interests are heard. My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Transport met the right hon. Member on 13 September, when they discussed all the principal issues associated with the problems on the A3 at Hindhead. He undertook to visit the area when his diary permitted.

Secondary information