To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy concerning the avoidance of motorway and major road construction through designated protected countryside; and if he will make a statement.

There has been no change in the Government's longstanding policy, which is to keep roads away from protected areas like areas of outstanding natural beauty and sites of special scientific interest wherever possible. Special attention is also paid to the effects of new roads on inalienable land owned by the National Trust. In national parks, the Government are committed to ensuring that no new trunk route will be constructed or an existing road upgraded unless there is a compelling need which cannot be met by any reasonable alternative means.