§ 11. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has had any recent discussions with Gwent county council concerning the completion of Newport's road plans and including a fourth river crossing.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsNo, Sir. The programming of local road schemes is a matter for the county council to determine.
§ Mr. HughesWhen production is proceeding normally about 20,000 people a day travel into Newport to pursue their employment, with all the environmental pollution and congestion that that causes. Environmental considerations apart, does not the Minister appreciate that if South-East Wales is to have any hope for the future these vital developments in Newport must be given the highest priority?
§ Mr. RobertsI am fully aware of the traffic congestion to which the hon. Member refers. Various steps are being taken. There is currently a widening scheme primarily intended to reduce delays and the dangers caused by heavy vehicles overtaking on the upgrades of the M4. Alternative ways of reducing traffic through the Crindau tunnels are being investigated.