HC Deb 19 June 1972 vol 839 cc4-5W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department have carried out investigations of the social and economic implications of bypassing Welsh villages and towns which depend heavily upon the tourist trade; and what conclusions have been reached.

Mr. Peter Thomas

No specific study in these terms has been carried out, but when any major road improvement scheme is being planned account is taken of social and economic factors in addition to the directly measurable benefits of improved travel time and reduction of accidents.

Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average delay in his Department before the hearing of an inquiry concerning a bypass and the publication of his decision.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Over the last five years the interval between the holding of a local inquiry and the announcement of the decision has been about five months.