§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if his Department has completed the necessary orders to advance the A470 Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed roadworks to completion; [19519]
(2) what factors underlie the delay in advancing the roadworks on the A470 between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed; and if he will make a statement; [19518]
(3) what recent correspondence there has been between his Department and the National Trust regarding land to be acquired to advance the A470 Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed roadworks to completion; and if he will make a statement. [19520]
§ Mr. HainThe roadworks referred to are the A470 Dolwyddelan to Pont yr Afanc scheme which form Stage 2 of the Lledr Valley improvement. This scheme, and all others in the forward trunk road programme (with the exception of the A55 Anglesey dualling proposals) is subject to the review announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 3 July, details of which were included in the consultation document 1 published on 31 July.
The consultation period ended on 31 October and the responses are being assessed. The review process is at an early stage and it is not possible to say when we will be able to give any indications as to the size and composition of the forward trunk road programme.
Negotiations with the National Trust are continuing in parallel with the review process. These discussions will not prejudice the outcome of the review and are designed to ensure that valuable time is not lost if the scheme remains in the programme following the review. It would not, of course, be appropriate to reveal details of these negotiations.