asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further request he has received from the contractor on the M5 Huntwater-Blackbrook section for a further postponement of the completion date, what is the requested date of the postponement, what the reasons are for the application, and whether he will make a statement on the position.

An application for a further extension of time has been received and is being considered. I will let the hon. Member know the outcome but I cannot comment on the application whilst the negotiations are in progress.