§ 11. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to announce the route of the Conwy river crossing section of the dual carriage A55 road.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have decided that the new A55 trunk road should cross the Conwy estuary in a tunnel. I have reached this decision following the most careful consideration of a report by consulting engineers, a personal inspection of the area and in the light of the numerous representations that I have received in favour of a tunnel. I am placing copies of the consultants' report in the Library of the House. The route that I am adopting as my preferred route is that described in the report as the "green tunnel route".
§ Sir A. MeyerIs my right hon. Friend aware that there will be a cheer in North Wales for the courage and decisiveness that he has displayed on this occasion? Is he further aware that by his decision he has made it possible for industry and tourism to contemplate North Wales with both confidence and hope?
§ Mr. EdwardsIt will be a major scheme to improve the infrastructure of North-West Wales. It involves the construction of a submerged tube tunnel. It will be the first time in Britain that a tunnel of that sort and on that scale has been attempted. The project will also ensure the preservation of Conwy castle and the town halls, which have a unique place in the architectural heritage of Europe.