asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the public inquiry into the extension of the M3 motorway from Bar End to the Chilworth roundabout to be completed and the inspector's report to be available to him.

I understand that the inspector hopes to complete the inquiry early next month. The timing of the submission of the report is a matter for the inspector, but, on the basis of experience of other inquiries, I would hope to receive it within about three to six months of the close of the inquiry.