HC Deb 05 August 1965 vol 717 cc1852-3
3. Mr. Box

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the road programme in Wales.

Mr. Finch

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make an announcement about the Welsh road programme as a whole up to 1971. The Chancellor's statement will not affect schemes already started. Nor will it affect schemes due to start in the next six months but which are for development districts or areas of high unemployment, or for providing access to ports, or are needed to complete or extend projects already started.

Mr. Box

I thank the Under-Secretary of State for that information, which is slightly encouraging. One recognises that there are economic factors that may cause delay in the further programme. Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that his right hon. Friend keeps the situation very much before his Cabinet colleagues, as the road programme has considerable significance for the future economy of Wales?

Mr. Finch

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's remarks, and I can assure him that I will keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend and watch these developments as much as possible. If the hon. Member has any scheme particularly in mind and will communicate with I will endeavour to answer him.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Can the hon. Gentleman say anything specific in regard to the road programme east to west? Has he any particular announcement to make about this?

Mr. Finch

No, I have no statement to make at the moment. As I have said, the whole programme up to 1971 is under consideration. No doubt, if the hon. Member puts down a Question for Answer after the Summer Recess, we shall consider it.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

How much of the road programme has to be postponed in Wales because of the Chancellor's statement? Are there to be any postponements at any particular time in Wales?

Mr. Finch

It may be postponed, but at present that will not affect present plans. It is impossible to say, at the moment, what may be postponed.