§ 7. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will initiate further discussions with local authorities in Wales concerning proposals for a second road crossing of the river Severn.
§ The Minster of State, Welsh Office (Mr. John Stradling Thomas)When the standing conference on regional policy in South Wales met Ministers from both the Welsh Office and the Department of Transport in March to discuss the Severn crossing, it was agreed that there should be a further meeting after the Flint and Neill report had been received and evaluated. That still remains our intention.
§ Mr. HughesWhy should millions of pounds be spent on a second crossing of the river Foyle in Northern Ireland when the existing Craigavon bridge is underused? Should not the highest priority be given to a second crossing of the Severn, as the present one is overused and badly needs repair? Does it mean that Wales has an insufficient voice in the Cabinet Room?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasNo, not at all. The Craigavon crossing was a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. There is confusion about the second Severn crossing. The purpose of the Flint and Neill report is to ensure that the Severn bridge is there to meet our needs for a long time to come. The Government are determined to see that it is in a satisfactory state to meet such needs.