asked the Secretary of State for Transport when the result of the public inquiry into the Lincoln relief road is expected to be published.

Early this summer.

Does my hon. Friend agree that the bypass is necessary, both to improve the quality of life of those who reside in Lincoln and to help industry, and thus the provision of jobs? Will she ensure that work starts as soon as the decision is made, so that the quality of life in Lincoln can be improved?

I fully accept that my hon. Friend has said. It is very important that this historic city should be relieved of through traffic at an early date. I am aware of the strong local support for the scheme and I hope that construction work will commence next year.