§ 1. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the rate of progress in constructing trunk roads in Wales.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Michael Roberts)I am satisfied that work in hand on trunk road schemes is being carried out as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. HoosonAlthough my right hon. Friend has rightly attached the highest spending priority to trunk roads as the 2 basis for a stronger Welsh economy, will he promote plans for further extensions of that network to ensure that plans are ready for future implementation?
§ Mr. RobertsDetails of the future trunk road programme will be announced following the publication of the Government's public expenditure plans for the next five-year period. There is no shortage of proposals for roads, but they are often delayed because of statutory procedures and the process of preparation. I shall do all that I can to ensure that there are sufficient proposals to match the speed of those procedures and the resources available.
§ Mr. Alec JonesI agree that there is no shortage of proposals, but is there likely to be a shortage of public money to carryout such proposals, since there is to be a cut in public expenditure on roads and transport of about £11 million?
§ Mr. RobertsWe will stick to our programme for road development in Wales, though with great difficulty, and it is our policy to give that development the highest priority. I expect reductions to fall mainly on smaller schemes, selected according to progress on statutory procedures and contractual arrangements.