§ 5. Mr. KnoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the total spending by central Government on roads in Wales since 1979; and how many miles of motorway and trunk roads have been laid since that year.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. Wyn Roberts)Expenditure on the improvement and maintenance of trunk roads and motorways since 1979 exceeds £1 billion. In addition, over £290 million has been provided to Welsh local authorities as transport supplementary grant for improvement of their roads. Twenty-two miles of motorway and 112 miles of trunk road have been provided.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend expect that expenditure will remain at a high level during the coming year? Does he expect many new contracts to be let during that year?
§ Mr. RobertsWe expect expenditure on roads to remain at a high level. Twenty two miles of trunk road are under construction at an estimated cost of £290 million. We expect to let a contract for one scheme costing over £10 million before the end of the current financial year.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellWill the Minister give a guarantee that the M4 will be completed by 1992?
§ Mr. RobertsThe hon. Gentleman is aware that one section of the M4 to which we have yet to attend—the stretch between Baglan and Lonlas—will be attended to as soon as possible. We shall probably put the contract out in sections, starting next year.
§ Mr. RaffanDoes my hon. Friend agree that, for the Government's massive investment in the A55 to be cost effective, adequate access or link roads to the expressway must be constructed? Does he agree that such roads are top priority, and will he do his utmost to impress that point on Clwyd county council?
§ Mr. RobertsI am well aware of the point that my hon. Friend is making and of his interest in the connecting roads in Clwyd. We are discussing road programmes with Clwyd county council and I shall ensure that his point is borne in mind.