HC Deb 28 October 1946 vol 428 cc287-8
70. Mr. Price-White

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement as to the possibility of an early consideration by his Department of a new trunk road linking North to South Wales.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on this subject on 13th May last, a new road on the lines suggested would be both difficult and extremely expensive to construct.

Mr. Price-White

Is not the Minister aware that the absence of such a road, as the years pass, will postpone the complete fusion of North and South Wales; and does he seriously suggest that what Italian engineers could build in more mountainous country is beyond the ability of British engineers?

Mr. Barnes

I do not know that I am suggesting anything of the kind. All I know is that there are other road works in Wales which have much greater priority over this proposal.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

In view of the fact that there is an abundance of suitable labour and material for this project in Wales, will my right hon. Friend take a closer view of the matter and report again to the House?

Mr. Barnes

I have already indicated that other roads which are necessary for the development of Wales must have prior consideration, and no responsible highway authority has yet proposed this development.

Mr. Emrys Roberts

Would the Minister accept the principle of this road, and be prepared to make a survey and inquiry into the difficulties?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think we had better anticipate today's Debate.

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