HC Deb 20 March 1989 vol 149 cc713-4
1. Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with local authorities in Wales on the implementation of his roads strategy, "Roads for Wales: The 1990s and beyond"; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. Wyn Roberts)

There were 160 written responses to the "Roads for Wales: The 1990s and beyond" consultation document, including responses from county, district, town and community councils. Those have been considered in drawing up the new edition of "Roads in Wales" which will be published shortly after Easter.

Mr. Wigley

Does the Minister recall that shortly before Christmas a deputation from Gwynedd visited him to talk about the need for the construction of a bypass on the A487 for the villages of Llanllyfni and Penygroes? Does he recall that at that time he said that he hoped to have further information early this year and that the bypass might then be included in any strategy for roads in the 1990s? Will he confirm that he has had further representations from Gwynedd county council on the matter and that further priority will be given to the construction of the bypass?

Mr. Roberts

I well recall the meeting to which the hon. Gentleman refers. There is no doubt that the A487 in Gwynedd is an important route for north-south traffic. As the hon. Gentleman knows, improvements for the section between Caernarfon and Bangor are programmed. The case for improving the route at Porthmadog and northwards through Penygroes and Llanllyfni to Caernarfon is under consideration.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that highway authorities, especially Clwyd county council, are taking full advantage of the magnificent achievements of the Welsh Office in building trunk roads by providing proper connections from those trunk roads to coastal areas such as Rhyl?

Mr. Roberts

My hon. Friend is right that that is a matter for Clwyd county council. There is no doubt that the investment of some £500 million in the A55 will be of great benefit to towns along the north Wales coast, but the matter of linking those towns with the A55 will be examined in the context of the initiative that my right hon. Friend has asked me to consider in connection with the development of the A55.

Mr. Murphy

Has the Minister of State any plans to improve the heads of the valleys road? Does he not agree that an upgrading of that road would be a great shot in the arm for our valley communities and a major factor in attracting jobs to the part of Wales where they are most needed?

Mr. Roberts

The heads of the valleys road is indeed a fine road, although I am aware that a number of accidents along that road recently have caused concern to right hon. and hon. Members. We are looking at all the roads in Wales which are the responsibility of the Welsh Office, and also at county roads. Where improvement is justified, we shall, of course, seek to progress that improvement.

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