§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list his plans, with costs and start dates, for the construction of a dual carriageway of the A55 in North Wales; if he proposes to require contractors to employ local labour in these projects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsI have already made it clear that priority is to be given to the A55 in North Wales. Start dates for individual schemes will depend on availability of finance and satisfactory completion of statutory procedures. Following standard procedures, contracts will be awarded on the lowest tender basis. The Manpower Services Commission will be notified when contracts are left to enable the Commission to give the successful tenderer up to date information about the availability of local labour.