§ 8. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now make a statement on the completion of the feasibility study into the proposed construction of a second Severn crossing.
§ Mr. MooreThe consultants are completing their study on time and their final report is expected any day now. It will be published and I shall be making an announcement shortly on its conclusions in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Secretary of State appreciate that the Welsh economy is in a parlous condition, with heavy unemployment? Is he further aware that he could ease the position with an early announcement authorising the building of a second crossing of the River Severn and by accepting the recommendation of the Select Committee on Transport calling for the abolition of tolls on estuarial crossings? A favourable announcement on both matters would be well received throughout Wales and in many other hard-pressed areas.
§ Mr. MooreI cannot comment on the Government's position in advance of our response to the Select Committee about estuarial tolls. I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has made it clear that, above all else, he is aware of the critical nature for the Welsh economy of an additional link to south Wales.
§ Mr. Robert HughesWill the Secretary of State give a guarantee that as it is three or four months since the Transport Select Committee reported on tolls, he will give an answer while the House is sitting so that he may be questioned on it?
§ Mr. MooreThe hon. Gentleman is referring to the Government's response to the Select Committee report. I cannot give a guarantee at this stage, but I recognise the hon. Gentleman's point and I shall do everything in my power to ensure that the answer reaches the House while it is still sitting.