HC Deb 16 March 1970 vol 798 cc2-3
2. Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will give the necessary authorisation for sewerage schemes in the Monmouth constituency, details of which have been supplied to him by the hon. Member for Monmouth.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. E. Rowlands)

My right hon. Friend has informed the authorities concerned that the Llandogo and Caerwent schemes can go ahead.

Mr. Anderson

I thank my hon. Friend most warmly on behalf of the people of Llandogo and Caerwent as, in one case, much necessary housing development and, in the other case, educational development has been held up. Would my hon. Friend confirm that he appreciates that this is a much wider problem in Wales?

Mr. Rowlands

Yes, I will confirm that. A number of schemes have been deferred. We are urgently reviewing those deferred in the hope that we shall be able to release the most urgent.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Would the hon. Gentleman go a little further? Pleased as we are to hear of the success of Monmouthshire in the "sewerage stakes", would he say how many sewerage schemes are being held up by the Welsh Office? Is it not regrettable that in European Conservation Year these schemes should be refused, to the detriment of the rivers?

Mr. Rowlands

That is why we are urgently reviewing the deferred schemes with a view to releasing those most urgently needed for housing and industrial development.