asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is yet in a position to announce a decision in regard to the proposed Buntingford bypass on the A10 trunk road; and if he will make a statement on the progress of this matter including any further proposals for public participation.

A decision on this scheme depends on the outcome of an investigation, now in progress, of the environmental benefits. If a decision in favour is taken, arrangements for consulting the public about the choice of a route will be started.