To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the construction of an east coast motorway, extending the M11 northwards to Newcastle; what studies have been undertaken by his Department to establish the feasibility of such a motorway; and what priority he attaches to achieving a new north-south road link.

We have received a number of representations about the provision of an east coast motorway. We have no plans for the construction of such a route nor have studies been undertaken into its feasibility. Our aim is to ensure that the trunk road network continues to meet current and future traffic needs. There is a large number of schemes in the programme for improving the existing routes.