§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the progress being made in providing new road links between South Wales and the South-East; when these developments are likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Graham PageA major new road link will be provided by the M4 London-South Wales motorway, of which about 78 miles in England between Tormarton and Maidenhead remain to be completed. I expect that the section between Tormarton and Stanton St. Quintin (north of Chippenham) will be opened in the summer. It may be possible to open a further length in the autumn and the whole motorway between London and Newport by the end of the year, but there have been additional works arising from earthworks instability on some contracts and it is too early to give precise dates.