To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the timescale is for the proposed improvements for junction 12 on the M5; to what extent such improvements are contingent upon the Hunts Grove development; what account has been taken of the effect on the B4008 if the junction's improvements go ahead; and if he will make a statement. (248238)

A timescale for improvements to Junction 12 of the M5 is in the process of being re-determined as we work towards making a public funding contribution to the proposals in recognition of existing operational problems at the junction which should be addressed. This will enable a scheme with a mixture of public and private money to be progressed.

This arrangement will allow the scheme to move forward without being contingent upon a start of works being made on the Hunts Grove development, which we anticipate during the next financial year.

The improvement scheme would result in some additional traffic on the B4008, and we are assessing the effect as part of the scheme's design which is currently being reviewed.