HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 cc627-8
17. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total length of the A55 road within the boundaries of Flintshire; how much of this total is at present dual carriageway; and how much will be dual carriageway by the end of 1973.

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

Thirty-one miles, of which just under three miles are dual carriageway. Work is programmed to start on an additional two miles before the end of 1973. A further 14 miles are in the preparation pool, but I cannot yet give a starting date.

Sir A. Meyer:

Does my hon. Friend realise that we shall be at the twenty-second century before this road is made to acceptable standards for the traffic load which it has to bear? Does he not consider that the neglect of this road by previous Governments is a scandal, and that something ought to be done about it much more urgently than it has been so far?

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

All I can say is that, whether it be a scandal, and whichever Government may have been responsible, we shall do our best to press ahead.