HC Deb 12 December 1983 vol 50 cc663-4
12. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to improve the motorway access into Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I work in close co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure the best possible motorway access into Wales.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Secretary of State confirm that the Severn bridge on the M4 is the only stretch of motorway in the United Kingdom on which tolls are collected? Does he appreciate that last Friday night there was a three-hour wait to cross the bridge and that there was not much evidence of the Welsh "croeso" on that occasion? Is he aware that this is a terrible way to treat the people of Wales?

Mr. Edwards

Hon. Members will agree that the important matter at present is not tolls, which have operated under successive Governments, but to ensure the security of this vital crossing into Wales. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has told the House that he intends to make a very early statement about the matter. I am in close touch with the Department of Transport on the subject.

Sir Raymond Gower

Would some improvement in the flow of traffic result if the tolls for traffic leaving Wales were collected on the Welsh side and the tolls for traffic entering Wales were collected on the other side?

Mr. Edwards

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has announced that he is taking a close new look at all measures for operating the bridge to see whether we can eliminate any unnecesary delay. That is certainly one suggestion that is being considered, and we shall report to the House in due course.

Mr. Barry Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman utterly determined to obtain a second crossing of the Severn?

Mr. Edwards

I am utterly determined to maintain this vital entry into Wales, which is fundamental to the economy of south Wales. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that the Government recognise the vital importance of the Severn crossing. We are making an assessement about the strengthening of the bridge, which, as the hon. Gentleman will be aware, will be required for many years. Alongside that we are also considering the question of a second crossing. The two matters must be taken together. My right hon. Friend hopes to make an early statement to the House on both matters.