asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with the consultations and statutory procedures in connection with the new all-purpose dual carriageway on the line of the A12 Hackney Wick to M11 link road; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement.

The road's centre-line was fixed last October. New draft orders have been published, and are open to objection until 6 March, for revised layouts at the two intermediate interchanges. Local public exhibitions are being held to explain them. There will almost certainly be a further public inquiry. Further progress will depend on the satisfactory completion of these procedures and those which will follow in respect of land acquisition. Work should start by mid-1990.