Jacqui Lait (Shadow Minister (London), Local Government Affairs & Communities; Beckenham, Conservative)

Clause 9 refers to the road network around the Olympic site. The Olympics will, of course, take place in August when commuting traffic will be reduced. I want the Minister to assure me that the people commuting from Essex through the Olympic site and towards the centre of London will have their requirements recognised and will not be penalised because that is how they have to get to work.

Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)

I would hope that that will be part of the transport plan. I cannot give absolute assurances, but I hear what the hon. Lady has to say and I am sure that it has been noted by my officials. We will convey the sentiment to those who will plan the transport. As she rightly says, the volume of traffic is down considerably in the month of August—I think by about 70 per cent.because most people are away on holiday. There will, of course, be an increase because of the Olympics but it could be quite manageable. Both Olympic and commuter traffic should be able to live side by side quite effectively.

Don Foster (Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Culture, Media & Sport; Bath, Liberal Democrat)

The clause and that question are both important. However, there is no reference in the clauseor in the explanatory notesto when it is assumed that the Olympic route network will come out of being. Since it will have an effect on traffic elsewhere, what are the plans for the ending of the designation of the Olympic route network?

Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)

The note says ''Straight away after.'' After what, I do not know.

Don Foster (Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Culture, Media & Sport; Bath, Liberal Democrat)

I am grateful to the Minister for that helpful reply.  

Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)

I will determine after what later, and I will write to the hon. Gentleman.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 9 ordered to stand part of the Bill.