Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with Midlands Connect on its proposed expressway from Leicestershire to Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement.

The A46 corridor connects together Lincolnshire and Gloucestershire. This is one of the corridors identified by Midlands Connect - the sub national transport body for the Midlands - as of key strategic importance.

With funding from the Department, Midlands Connect is currently conducting a detailed study into the potential for development of the A46, which it believes could play an important role in improving pan-regional connectivity and relieving congestion on motorways in the West Midlands. The Department is monitoring this study closely.