§ 12. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans in the foreseeable future to extend the motorway through Mid-Wales from the Midlands to Aberystwyth.
§ Mr. Barry JonesA motorway is not justified but my right hon. and learned Friend intends to continue with the progressive improvement of the trunk roads eastwards from Aberystwyth to the English border.
§ Mr. HowellsI am sure the Minister is aware that communications between the Midlands and Aberystwyth must be improved if we are to induce industrialists to settle in that area. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply, but has he any proposals to improve communications in the near future?
§ Mr. JonesI take the point made by the hon. Gentleman. He will be pleased to know that a preliminary report on the 973 scheme for improving the eastern approach to Aberystwyth was recently completed by consultants and is now under consideration. In addition, a feasibility study for improving the A44 between Aberystwyth and Llangurig has recently been completed and the report is under consideration.
§ Mr. RoderickDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that many people in Mid-Wales might consider that if money is available for communications it might be better spent on improving public transport facilities?