HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc1307-8
45. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Transport what reply he has sent to the Cardiff City Council concerning its representations for a speeding up of preparations for an eastern by-pass road in Cardiff.

Mr. Marples

I am considering these representations, but would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 4th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Box) and to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan).

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that everyone responsible for traffic in Cardiff is deeply disturbed by his attitude? Is he further aware that the life of Cardiff is being absolutely throttled by road traffic, and that the construction of this eastern orbital bypass at the earliest moment is essential? Will he look at this again?

Mr. Marples

That may be the view of Cardiff, but many other parts of Wales—although the hon. Gentleman may not believe it—consider their schemes to be more important than this one.

Mr. Box

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his decision not to include the inner by-pass in his five-year plan is already holding up the development of the central area of Cardiff? Cannot he look at this matter again, and see whether it is possible to include this by-pass?

Mr. Marples

I shall certainly look again at the proposal but, quite frankly, I do not think that it will be possible to include it without excluding something else in Wales.