§ 12. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the British Transport Docks Board and with Welsh highway authorities about the need for improving trunk roads serving and leading to the South Wales docks.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNone, Sir, but my officials will shortly be meeting representatives of the docks board and the local highway authorities to discuss road access to Barry docks.
§ Mr. GowerI thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that last sentence. Is he aware that in Barry the local borough council, the docks manager and many organisations have tried hard, not without some success, to get new industry and docks trade but have been sadly hampered by the very poor road communications which serve the port?
§ Mr. ThomasYes. I know that there is local concern about the adequacy of road access to Barry docks. I am pleased that my office has been invited to participate in a discussion with the docks board and the local authority.
§ Mr. Roy HughesDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that his optimistic statements about the future of South Wales ports are invariably followed by support for measures which can only undermine them—for example, the port of Bristol expansion scheme? Does he not agree that, if the South Wales ports are to have any long-term future, a massive rescue operation is necessary?
§ Mr. ThomasAny statement that I make about South Wales ports which can be construed as optimistic is made because I am echoing the views of the British Transport Docks Board.