§ 27. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on 4th November the Newport— Cardiff road was flooded to the extent of four feet to six feet near the Tredegar Park; that this road is frequently impassable owing to floods; and, in view of the fact that it is the main connecting road between South Wales and England, what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of flooding.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of the recent flooding to which the hon. Member refers, but according to my information this road is not flooded at all frequently. The best remedy appears to be a drainage system for the River Ebbw as a whole, and I understand that action is in train to set up a river board for this area.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this difficulty has been in existence for a very long time, and that it occurs very frequently? Will he consider, as an alternative to his proposal, raising this road two or three feet for the short space of 200 or 300 yards and so settle this problem, which is a very serious menace to traffic there?
§ Mr. MaclayI understand that the raising of the road would not necessarily solve the problem as it would provide another dam, which might cause even further flooding. The whole trouble appears to be due to the silting up of the bed of the River Ebbw and the action I have suggested is probably the best one to take in the circumstances.