HC Deb 18 December 1972 vol 848 cc899-901
13. Mr. Michael Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he intends to hold a separate public inquiry for each section of the proposed western extension of the M4.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Yes, Sir. I intend to hold separate inquiries into each section of the M4 wherever such inquiries are necessary.

Mr. Roberts

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is public concern over the method by which public inquiries are undertaken on proposed motorway developments? One cause of concern is that when inquiries are set up in the way he intends to adopt for the M4, on a piecemeal basis, which may be suitable for the allocation of finance and may measure up to the construction resources available, they do not give the public the opportunity to participate, except in detail. There is growing concern that opportunities to raise the important aspects of planning, which are environmental, social and broadly economic, are denied the public at such inquiries.

Mr. Thomas

I agree that there is concern, and for that reason I looked into the matter very carefully and considered whether it would be more advantageous to have a public inquiry involving sections of the road. But I am satisfied that by keeping each section reasonably short it is possible to consider line and side road orders together—a procedure which is generally welcomed in that it enables everyone concerned to see the full implication of each part of the proposed line. If we attempted a longer section, the length and complexity of the orders, schedules and maps would be virtually unmanageable at public inquiries and extremely confusing to members of the public, particularly those directly concerned.

Mr. Rowlands

Will the Secretary of State give a categorical assurance that the M4 will be completed by the end of 1976, as was programmed in June 1970?

Mr. Thomas

The hon. Gentleman should know that it is impossible for me to give a categorical assurance. All I can say is that that is what is planned, and I have no reason to doubt that it will be effected by then. But various statutory procedures must be gone through. I cannot bulldoze the road through without regard to the interests of the public.

14. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he proposes to hold a single public inquiry or more than one public inquiry in connection with the routeing of the remaining sections of the motorway M4 between Castleton and Chapel-Llanilltern; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Thomas

A public inquiry into my proposals for the section between Coryton and Capel Llanilltern is due to start on 23rd January 1973. A decision on the holding of a public inquiry into the Coryton/Castleton section will be taken after formal proposals have been published.

Mr. Gower

Despite my right hon. and learned Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Michael Roberts), will he look at the matter again as the anxieties expressed by residents' associations and individual residents at Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, Lisvane and other places are based on a fear that if my right hon. and learned Friend makes a decision for one section, that will prevent his having a free choice in the other sections? In other words, by adopting a certain route through, say, Whitchurch, he will remove the possibility of an impartial judgment of the different routes in the other sections, so it seems to me—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is Question Time. The hon. Gentleman has put a point already.

Mr. Gower

In the light of what I have said, will my right hon. and learned Friend reconsider the matter?

Mr. Thomas

As I said in answer to the previous Question, I have looked into the matter very carefully. I appreciate that the anxieties of which my hon. Friend speaks have been expressed. I have been very anxious to meet the concern that is undoubtedly felt, but in view of the complexity of having a public inquiry over a long line I am sure that the proper course, one that is in the interests of all the objectors, is to have inquiries on small sections. There is no objection to the raising of the wider strategy of the motorway at a public inquiry into any particular section.