§ 12. Mr. Boxasked the Minister of Transport what are his plans for improving road communications between the Midlands and South Wales; and what progress has been made so far.
§ Mr. MarplesConstruction of the Birmingham to Bristol motorway as far south as its junction with the Ross Spur began this spring and is due to be completed in the autumn of next year. This section, together with the Ross Spur itself, which will be opened shortly, will provide a new motorway route 48 miles long.
A new trunk road by-pass of Ross-on-Wye has recently been completed, and beyond this there will be further improvements of the existing trunk roads. Dual carriageways will be provided throughout from Ross to Newport, with major by-passes at Usk and Caerleon. I hope to authorise work on the first schemes in this comprehensive improvement during the present financial year. Further westward, the Heads of the Valley Road is being reconstructed to modern standards; work started last March on the first stage between Abergavenny and Brynmawr.
§ Mr. BoxIn view of the vital importance of these road communications—particularly between Ross and Cardiff—in the battle for the survival of the South Wales ports, will my right hon. Friend consider seeking further statutory powers from Parliament to speed up construction still more?
§ Mr. MarplesQuite frankly, I think that in this area we are going as fast as possible and I do not think that any further statutory powers are needed. However, I can assure my hon. Friend that we really are aware of the fact that South Wales depends on these roads for its communications.