§ Sir W. Jenkinsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) what steps he is taking to secure priority for the erection of the Neath River Bridge and to prepare post-war schemes for highways to serve industries in South and West Wales and to link up these areas by a satisfactory road connecting with the Severn Bridge which is essential for South Wales areas in general;
(2) what action his Department is taking to instruct highway authorities to submit schemes for improved transport facilities for post-war industrial purposes in South Wales; and whether steps are being taken to connect the various mining valleys with improved East to West road communications.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe line of the Neath bypass, of which the Neath River Bridge forms a part, has already been safeguarded by an Order made under the Trunk Roads Act, 1936. Instructions have been given to consulting engineers 1631W to complete the detailed plans for this bypass and bridge, so that constructional works may be put in hand at the earliest suitable date after the termination of hostilities. The highway authorities to whom my hon. Friend refers are already aware that I am very willing to consider any proposals they may desire to make for improvements of the road system in their respective areas which may be necessary to meet the post-war industrial requirements of South Wales. In making their proposals, I am sure the Authorities will bear in mind the need to connect the mining valleys with an improved road from East to West.