To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what consultations his Department had with representatives from local authorities over the decision to widen the M25;(2) what representations he has received concerning the proposals to widen the M25;(3) what environmental considerations his Department took into account in the decision to widen the M25;(4) if he has met representatives of the London Boroughs Association over Government plans to widen the M25.

My Department has consulted widely with local authorities about the proposals for the M25 and will continue to do so. Many representations have been received from the public and representative bodies and will be carefully considered. The full range of environmental considerations have been taken into account and environmental assessments will take place for every scheme. The London Boroughs Association has not been a formal consultee but representatives of some of its member authorities have participated in the discussions.