§ 5. Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what criteria are employed in assessing the road needs of Wales in comparison with those of Scotland and England so that attention is paid to the special development needs of Wales.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Ifor Davies)The road programmes for England, Scotland and Wales are based upon assessments of future traffic volumes and possible savings in travel and accident costs. Road safety, developmental needs and other relevant factors are also taken into consideration.
§ Mr. AndersonDoes not my hon. Friend agree that in the case of Wales traffic volume is simply not enough as a criterion, because of the very special road needs and because almost the whole of Wales is now a development area? Will he bear this and other considerations in mind?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, but the road programme is related to traffic needs and not to comparisons of population or road mileage. I assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend is jealously safeguarding the interests of Wales.
§ Mr. HoosonWill not the Under-Secretary agree that the criteria he has mentioned are insufficient? What about the North-South Wales trunk road? Surely other criteria must come into account in planning such a road to meet the special geographical needs of Wales?
§ Mr. DaviesWe fully appreciate that. I assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that all relevent factors are taken into consideration.