§ 11. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will erect a sound barrier on the M4 motorway adjoining the Beechwood Estate, Newport, Gwent in order to prevent further noise nuisance and damage to property.
§ Mr. Barry JonesThe need for a sound barrier and other noise insulation measures in connection with the widening of the M4 will be considered during the design phase of the scheme for widening the M4 motorway between Coldra and Malpas. Work on this scheme is not expected to start before 1980.
§ Mr. HughesI agree with the widening of the M4, which is absolutely necessary to the development of the Welsh economy, but will my hon. Friend appreciate that the people of the Beechwood Estate have suffered very much and have been very modest in their demands? Will he therefore ensure that in the future development of the motorway the erection of the sound barrier which those residents are now requesting is carried through?
§ Mr. Barry JonesMy hon. Friend has raised the question of the Beechwood Estate before. At present we have no powers to provide the insulation in respect of the road as it is at present. However, I shall look very carefully at the matter in the context of the future scheme.
§ Sir A. MeyerWill the hon. Gentleman ensure that resources are not diverted from the top priority of improving the A55 in North Wales?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI can assure the House that the availability of funds in relation to the development of roads in Wales will ensure that there is a fair share for North Wales.