§ 1. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will pay an official visit to Portmadoc.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Barry Jones)My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to do so.
§ Mr. Atkins>Is my hon. Friend aware that, if he goes there, the best way is by the Cambrian Coast Railway, which links together the communities of West Wales and could link with the North once the Blaenau Ffestiniog line is joined to it, far better than any remote Parliament in Cardiff, which is remote partly because the line between the West Coast and the South was closed? Will my hon. Friend 2 ensure that no further rail services are closed?
§ Mr. Barry JonesThere are no proposals before the Government to close the Cambrian Coast line or any other railway line in Wales. My hon. Friend mentioned the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway. From the coast almost to Blaenau itself, some £279,000 in various grants has been given or is on offer.
§ Mr. WigleyIf the Secretary of State has an opportunity to go to Portmadoc, we hope that he will then be confirming the future viability of the Cambrian Coast line, but will he also take note of the need to improve the traffic flow in that area? In particular, what is the latest situation in relation to the legal inquiries that are being made relevant to the cob and tollgate at Portmadoc?
§ Mr. Barry JonesOn the last point, counsel's opinion has now been obtained and we are considering the advice.