asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to start work on the Dartford—Purfleet tunnel.

Tenders are about to be invited for the construction of this tunnel, but until they have been received and examined I am unable to say when the work will be begun.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that on 6th May of last year he stated that this project would come within the first two years of his Io-year transport plan; that a year has already gone by; and does he think that this project will be completed within the remaining year of the two years he had in mind?

It certainly will not be completed within the two years' period, but this is a rather substantial undertaking. Of course, I am hoping that I shall be able to start within the two years, but I cannot give any definite undertaking.

Could my right hon. Friend say that this project will be given every priority, having regard to its great industrial importance in the Purfleet area?