§ 10. Mr. Gwynoro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he can now announce the starting dates for the construction of the dual carriageway from St. Clears.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI assume the hon. Member is referring to the proposed dual carriageway road between St. Clears and Carmarthen. This is in the preparation pool but it is too early yet to give a starting date.
§ Mr. JonesWill the Minister not accept that, especially at this time of the year and until September, the road between St. Clears and Carmarthen, and Carmarthen itself, is subjected to traffic congestion every weekend over a length of about six miles? Would he not further accept that the construction of the motorway to Pontardulais by 1976—which is greatly welcomed by everyone on both sides of the House—will mean, unless there is provision for Carmarthen and the dual carriageway to St. Clears, that traffic 14 will move into this area all the sooner, causing even greater queues?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI certainly accept that there are difficulties. It is not possible to forecast a starting date for schemes in the preparation pool since this depends, among other things, on the time needed to complete the statutory processes and to acquire land. Work will be carried out as soon as possible after these steps have been completed.