HC Deb 24 November 1975 vol 901 cc458-60
2. Mr. Tom Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what consultation he has had with the Central Electricity Generating Board about the making of tar macadam roadways in parts of Snowdonia National Park leading to the Carneddau Mountains.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Barry Jones)

None, Sir. I understand, however, that as required by the North Wales Hydro Electric Power Act 1973 the generating board has consulted the local planning authority and the Countryside Commission which have raised no objections.

Mr. Ellis

Is my hon. Friend aware that the construction of this road is through some of the wildest and most unspoiled parts of Snowdonia and that its construction constitutes nothing less than a scandalous act of vandalism? Was the right to construct the road specifically included in the Act of Parliament permitting the CEGB to go ahead with its Llanberis pump storage scheme? If not, was planning permission necessary? Was it applied for other than simply as a matter of consultation? Finally, what proposals have the Government to get rid of this blight on the countryside in Snowdonia?

Mr. Barry Jones

My hon. Friend convinces me of his care for Snowdonia and its beauty. No specific planning permission is required. Authority for the works is contained in the North Wales Hydro Electric Act 1973. As for the national park, in constructing the authorised works the board is required to have regard to the preservation of the environment for the public. The local planning authority has, I am sure, also taken this factor into account. As I have said, the Countryside Commission has not objected.

Mr. Wigley

Is the Minister aware that I speak as a Member in whose constituency this work is taking place? Is he further aware that my constituents feel very strongly about the need to develop job opportunities in this area, and that they welcome every opportunity for road development that will help to that end? On that theme, will the Minister comment on the delays that have held back the CEGB main contract approval, which is putting several hundred jobs in jeopardy today?

Mr. Barry Jones

First, I draw to the attention of the House the great work done by Lord Goronwy-Roberts when he was a Member of this House in relation to the Act about which the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley) speaks. The Dinorwic power scheme is of great importance in providing employment in that part of Wales. The present situation is that stage two is awaiting consent from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. The hon. Member will be interested to know that the present work force is 780, of whom 72 per cent. are local labour. Further, once consent is obtained, it is estimated that the work force will increase to 1,000 by mid-1976 and to between 1,200 and 1,500 in the period 1977–78.