asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has made to have the notice of application to the High Court to quash in whole or part the orders made to authorise construction of the A5 Shrewsbury bypass heard at an early date; and if he will make a statement.

Acting on my behalf the Treasury Solicitor has, after seeking and obtaining the agreement of the applicants to a joint approach to the court applied for an expedited hearing. This application to expedite will be determined on 18 March. I hope that the court will be able to hear this case at an early stage so as to bring to an end the continuing uncertainty.