§ 1. Mr. E. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement upon the progress of the Eastern Avenue by-pass scheme, Cardiff.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Ifor Davies)Demolition work has begun at the site of the Gabalfa interchange and some statutory undertakers' works have started.
I hope that construction of the interchange will start early next summer and of Eastern Avenue itself about six months later.
§ Mr. RowlandsWould my hon. Friend explain the two months delay which has recently occurred as a result of a decision to recite the road along the railway line and can he say whether this will lead to a saving in money, because this road has already caused a heavy toll on houses in my constituency?
§ Mr. Ifor DaviesPart of the delay is due to the proposed railway closure. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, but I understand that a decision is expected shortly.
As for savings on the road, the answer is in the affirmative. By taking advantage of this we can reduce the amount of private land required and construct the new road more cheaply.