HC Deb 10 July 1972 vol 840 cc1167-8
21. Mr. Rowlands

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what study his Department has carried out into the developmental benefits of new road building in Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The developmental effect of new road building is always taken into account in the planning of new roads.

Mr. Rowlands

Is the Secretary of State aware that one of the major recommendations of the Estimates Committee preceding the last election was that his Department should set up such a study and investigate the return and developmental benefit of new roads as an important weapon in the armoury of the Welsh Office and other regional Departments in obtaining even greater funds for road building, not only to relieve immediate congestion but to create a new pattern of industrial development throughout South Wales?

Mr. Thomas

I am aware of that recommendation. No specific study has been undertaken, but the wide-ranging Government-financed study of transport in Wales currently being done at Aberystwyth will help to shed further light on the matter.