§ 6. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what recent developments have taken place with reference to the construction of the Severn bridge; what is the present position; and if he will make a statement on his future intentions regarding this roadway.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe present position is that I appreciate the importance of this bridge and consider it as being among the major road projects which merit high priority. I cannot as yet say when I can fit it into my programme.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that this matter is very urgent both for South Wales and the West of England, that the Severn Tunnel is seventy years old and that if there is a block it means a divergence of traffic for seventy miles? On Monday last the line was blocked for five hours and trains from London to South Wales had to be diverted through Gloucester. Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the urgency of the matter from that angle?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, I will, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will bring his persuasion to bear in order to get agreement about tolls and other difficulties.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIs the Minister aware that there is to be a conference next month in Cardiff of local authorities which may form a bridge authority, and cannot more encouragement be given to those authorities?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI should be very interested to hear what they have to say when they have hat their meeting.