RK/SJA/Cons/Stonehenge

14 January 2005

The Rt Hon The Lord McIntosh of Haringey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH

Stonehenge

I have been alarmed to receive reports alleging major problems with both the road improvements associated with the development of the Stonehenge Visitors Centre.

A303(T) Tunnel Project
Please can you confirm whether or not the Inspector’s Report has been received by Ministers?

It has been alleged to me that even if the Inspector recommends approval, the Secretary of State for Transport has decided that funding for the tunnel project would have to compete with other strategic road improvements in the South West of England, prioritised by a regional consultative body the name and members of which have yet to be decided. Is this true? I had always understood that this project was part of a national scheme to improve the World Heritage Site and that funding would therefore flow directly from Government.

A303(T) Countess Roundabout

It has also been alleged that the flyover and associated slip roads for the visitors centre will also not be funded directly by the Department for Transport but will have to compete with other regional schemes. Once again, I always understood that this scheme would be funded jointly by the Department for Transport, DCMS and English Heritage. Please can you confirm whether or not this allegation is true? If it is not, please will you explain how the project will be funded – and by whom?

Like you, I really do want to see the Stonehenge Projects moving ahead as swiftly as possible. I would be grateful if you would tell me what is going on so that I can reassure local people.