§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration is given to the visual appearance of a road as an integral part of the Welsh landscape when rural road improvements are being planned and what consultations take place; and, in particular, what consultations took place on the improvements to the A490 road between Welshpool and Bwlch-y-Cibau near Llanfyllin in Montgomeryshire.
§ Mr. Barry JonesIt is my practice to have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside when undertaking the construction or improvement of trunk roads in rural areas. Planning authorities and other environmental bodies are consulted as necessary. The A490 Welsh-pool-Bwlch-y-Cibau road is a principal road for which Powys County Council is the responsible highway authority.