13. Mr. Tom Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Wales what length of new trunk roads has been completed in the area covered by the Wrexham constituency during the past two years.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsNone, but, as the hon. Member knows, we are considering proposals for major improvements to the A483 trunk road within his constituency.
Mr. EllisIs the Minister aware that male unemployment in the Wrexham area—one of the most populous areas in North Wales—now involves almost one-quarter of the labour force? Does he agree that one of the best remedies for that deplorable state is to improve the inadequate road communications to the motorway system? In this pre-election period will that crucial issue be tackled with urgency?
§ Mr. RobertsThe issue has been tackled, and it has nothing to do with a pre-election period. The work on the schemes is proceeding, as quickly as design needs and statutory processes allow, to both the north and south of Wrexham. I hope that work on both schemes, involving an estimated combined cost of £42 million, can start in 1985 and that it will be completed satisfactorily.