HC Deb 01 February 1971 vol 810 cc1235-6
20. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve the infrastructure of Cardiganshire.

Mr. Peter Thomas

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of trunk and principal road schemes which are programmed or in the preparation pool, and sewerage and sewage disposal schemes which have been authorised. Approval in principle has also been issued for the acquisition of 60 acres of land for industrial development near Aberystwyth.

Mr. Morgan

Is it not true that all, or very nearly all, were matters to which the previous Government had applied their mind? Does the Secretary of State remember that up to mid-summer of last year the improvement of infrastructure was regarded by the Conservative Party as a clear alternative to all the profligate regional development policies of the then Government? We on this side are interested to know what the right hon. and learned Gentleman will do to allow the Conservative Party to acquire a measure of credibility in relation to these promises.

Mr. Peter Thomas

We have announced that additional funds are being made available for that purpose. I hope that local authorities in Cardiganshire and elsewhere in Wales will take advantage of this extra provision of funds.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the sewerage schemes, to which the previous Administration applied their mind just before the election, had been held up for many years before that date?

Mr. Peter Thomas

In many cases that is certainly so.