asked the Minister of Transport if he will seek to improve the procedures laid down in the Highways Act 1959 under which a chief executive of a county council invites those who challenge the validity of an order in connection with road redevelopment to apply to the High Court.

The procedures as a whole afford opportunity for objection and appeal; the provision about application to the High Court relates only to challenges on limited legal grounds to an order finally made after the normal procedures for publication, objection and,

				Figure contained in revised supply estimates>	Latest estimated outturn
				£m	£m
a. Motorways already let	…	…	…	8·026	8·900
Motorways still to be let	…	…	…	3·792	0·850
b. Trunk roads already let	…	…	…	29·259	19·000
Trunk roads still to be let	…	…	…	2·588	0·500

The Estimates include provision for land acquisition and ancillary works. The figures therein are based on earliest possible start dates. The Estimates themselves include an off-setting allowance of £32·068 million for the effect of delays in the programme as a whole. This allowance was included because it was expected that there would be some in certain circumstances, public inquiry have been completed.I have written to my hon. Friend about a particular case in which he is interested.