HC Deb 20 December 1982 vol 34 cc654-5
4. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest estimated date for the completion of dual carriageways on the A55 from the English border to Holyhead.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Michael Roberts)

It is my hope that, subject to the satisfactory completion of all statutory procedures, the dual carriageway A55 can be completed from the English border to its termination at Bangor by the end of the decade. Our proposals for improvements to the A5 in Anglesey will be announced in the next edition of "Roads in Wales", which will be published in the new year.

Sir Anthony Meyer

As my hon. Friend is aware, my hon. Friend the Member for Anglesey (Mr. Best) has been pressing hard for the improvement of the A5. As to the A55, is he aware that this Administration will be remembered as the one who took the decision over which previous Administrations dithered, particularly with regard to the Hollywell bypass and the Conwy crossing?

Mr. Roberts

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We have made real and visible progress towards our goal. About 23 km of the 87 km route between Chester and Bangor have already been completed to dual-carriageway standard, and 24 km are currently under construction. However, a portion of the 23 km that are now completed was prepared by the previous Administration.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

When this road is operational in 1990, will the Minister ensure that access from the south is also improved—in other words, the sections of the A470 that have not been upgraded between Blaena Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed?

Mr. Roberts

I shall take the hon. Gentleman's point into consideration and write to him.

Mr. John Morris

Will the Minister reject the suggestion that there has been dithering over the improvement of the A55? I immediately accept the Minister's commendation. As to the Conwy crossing, does he agree that every decision affecting the east and west was made but that there was a need for a further and proper inquiry before a Bill could be presented to Parliament? That has now been done, and I compliment the Secretary of State on doing it.

Mr. Roberts

I do not wish to comment on the dithering nature of the previous Administration. I merely note that the decision on the Conwy tunnel was made entirely by my right hon. Friend.