§ 6. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he estimates that the Cardiff-Merthyr trunk road will reach Merthyr Tydfil.
§ Mr. George ThomasBy the mid-1970s.
§ 7. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales, in view of the high unemployment in Merthyr Tydfil, if he will ensure that the trunk road Cardiff-North Wales via Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon be constructed from Merthyr to Cardiff and Merthyr to Brecon.
§ Mr. George ThomasWork on the new Cardiff to Merthyr section of the A470 has been planned northwards from Cardiff to deal with points of greatest congestion first and construction is in hand. North of Merthyr my plan is to provide a high standard single carriageway road and this has already been done over a considerable length; this work will continue.
§ Mr. DaviesIs my right hon. Friend aware that this trunk road via Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon has been on the stocks for 24 years? Is it not essential that the Welsh Office should think a little more about the old industrial valleys and the rural agricultural areas?
§ Mr. ThomasI have been in this Office for two years out of the 24 years to which my hon. Friend refers. I am pleased with the progress being made with this road. Anyone travelling from Pontypridd to Cardiff can see the massive construction under way.
§ Mr. Gwynfor EvansIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the dual carriageway from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil had been built before the Severn Bridge—if the Government had shown the right priorities for Wales—the economy of Cardiff and South-East Glamorgan would be stronger than it is?
§ Mr. ThomasThat only shows how much the hon. Gentleman is out of touch with reality. The Severn Bridge is a blessing which all people in their senses in Wales welcome.
§ 16. Mr. Probertasked the Secretary of State for Wales when the improvement works on the A470 will reach the Traveller's Rest junction at Abercynon.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. E. Rowlands)Probably by the summer of 1973.
§ Mr. ProbertIn view of the hazards and anxieties endured by the people of Abercynon, can my hon. Friend ensure that the target will be reached, so that through traffic, which is at the moment causing great trouble to a highly residential area, will be by-passed?
§ Mr. RowlandsWe are dealing with the scheme as urgently as possible. A compulsory purchase order inquiry was held on 25th March of this year and we are still awaiting the report of the inspector.