§ 7. Mr. Tudor Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the progress of the Rhayader expansion plan; and what is the position of applications for permission to develop within the town.
§ Mrs. WhiteAt a meeting in the Welsh Office on 4th January last, at which all those concerned with the development of 1527 Rhayader were represented, the development plan was discussed. While there are certain matters—particularly concerning the line of the trunk road—which have to be further studied, the authorities concerned can now go ahead with some industrial and housing development, and I hope that they will do so.
§ Mr. WatkinsThere is great disappointment in Rhayader at the long delay. Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is nearly 12 months since the Secretary of State made a very good announcement about the expansion plan, but the assurance given by an officer of his Department that action would be taken within two months has not been fulfilled?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs my hon. Friend knows, there have been technical difficulties which have to be fully investigated before a final conclusion can be reached. I know that he is concerned about applications for development and planning consent. All but one of these, I understand, have now been cleared with the county planning officer.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattWould it not be a good thing if this matter were brought to a head at the earliest opportunity? Rhayader is at present suffering from a type of planning blight which is avoidable, and, if it were possible for the local authorities and the Welsh Office to get down to the question, would not a speedy answer be a happy outcome for a good number of people?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs I have said, the Welsh Office has been dealing with precisely the point raised by the hon. Gentleman. I understand that in all cases but one the matter has been cleared. That one is in the vicinity of the possible line of the road. The matter is in dispute, and in that instance permission cannot at the moment be given.