§ 12. Mr. Delwyn Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the progress of the road building programme in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsYes. Our programme for trunk road improvement in Wales was set out in "Roads in Wales 1980" published last December.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs the Minister aware of the concern of my constituents about the Llanidloes and Welshpool bypasses? Is he aware that Llanidloes is scheduled to start in 1987? Is he further aware that the lack of firm proposals for the bypass means that the development of the industrial part of Llanidloes is being severely restrained? Does he realise that the social structure of Welshpool and its industrial development is being held back because of the doubts about the potential development of the Welshpool bypass? Does he—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. There must be something in the air in Montgomeryshire.
§ Mr. RobertsDealing with Llanidloes bypass, I am aware of the recent representations from the town council and Powys county council about the bypass scheme, but it has not been given high priority. We have received a substantial number of objections to our proposals on the Welshpool bypass and those are currently being considered. I shall undertake to consider any suggestions made by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. WigleyIs the Under-Secretary satisfied that the road building programme of the Welsh Office takes into account the implications of the Armitage report? Will he investigate the effect that heavy lorries might have on the A5, the A55 and the A470 in Gwynedd where the county council is seriously worried, especially about the dry stone walls which may crumble as a result?
§ Mr. RobertsI assure the hon. Gentleman that I shall look into the matter without delay.
§ Mr. HoosonIs my hon. Friend aware of the widespread approval in Wales for the high priority that has been given to the trunk road building programme in a period of necessary Government economy?
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasNecessary for whom?
§ Mr. RobertsWe regard the trunk road programme as essential to the infrastructure of the Principality.
§ Mr. ColemanWill the hon. Gentleman give more urgent attention to the A465 road, as that gives access to the Rheola works, which is threatened by closure, a proposal that is being resisted most vigorously? Will he ensure that the road is developed so that the works has a future?
§ Mr. RobertsI am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concern about the A465. I have arranged to meet representatives of the West Glamorgan county council next month to discuss the scheme. At this stage I do not want to anticipate the outcome of that meeting.