To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is able to take to expedite the approval process for the South Devon Link Road; and if he will make a statement. (275483)

It is important that public funds are used as effectively as possible. Our local major scheme approval process is therefore designed to ensure that a scheme offers value for money for the taxpayer.

The Department for Transport is liaising closely with Devon county council as we continue to assess the major scheme business case for the proposed South Devon Link Road. Further information has been requested from the promoters on sections of the Business Case that required clarification. Once the value for money assessment is completed, consideration will be given to granting initial funding approval for the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his most recent assessment is of the effects of the construction of the South Devon Link Road on the South Devon economy. (275523)

The major scheme business case for the proposed South Devon Link Road submitted to the Department for Transport by Devon county council and Torbay council included an economic impact study report which considered the potential economic impact of the proposed Kingskerswell bypass between Newton Abbot and Torquay in South Devon.

This report concluded that the proposed bypass could generate a range of benefits for the economic and wider development of Teignbridge, Torbay, South Hams and the surrounding areas of South Devon.

The Department is liaising closely with Devon county council as we continue to assess the major scheme business case for the proposed South Devon Link Road.