asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects construction work to start and finish on the first two motorway service areas to serve the M25 motorway.

Construction of the South Mimms motorway service area will commence soon after final planning clearance is received. All being well, facilities will be available to the public in late 1986. At Thurrock, construction is expected to start in 1986, again subject to completion of planning and land acquisition procedures. These facilities should be available to travellers in 1987.