HC Deb 14 March 1968 vol 760 cc1586-7
5. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the progress being made on improving road links between the Midlands and South Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ifor Davies

While good progress is being made, my right hon. Friend will not be satisfied until this most important road linking South Wales with the Midlands has been completed. The length from Monmouth to Mitchel Troy is open to traffic. Work is well advanced on the section between Mitchel Troy and Raglan. The line of the road has just been fixed between Raglan and Usk and his proposals for the final section from Usk to Coldra were published on 8th March.

Mr. Hughes

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, and I appreciate his efforts in this matter. Will he bear in mind that the Port of Bristol is energetically seeking traffic from the Midlands and that these improved road links are urgently necessary to combat the challenge from Bristol?

Mr. Ifor Davies

We are conscious of the importance of this road, and we expect to meet the target dates unless unforeseen difficulties arise over land acquisition.