§ Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether, in view of 545W the liability of stretches of the A55 to collapse, he will now give a higher priority to the reconstruction of the road between Halkyn and Lloc;
(2) whether, in view of the collapse of the A55 carriageway near Holywell, other stretches of the same road are considered to be exposed to a similar risk.
§ Mr. John MorrisHighways constructed on side long ground are more likely than others to be affected by extreme weather conditions. The risk of collapse is not considered to be any higher on A55 than on similar lengths of highway elsewhere. I have already previously indicated my intention to give high priority to the improvement of the A55, including the length between Halkyn and Lloc-Holywell bypass.
§ Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales how soon he expects to be able to reopen the A55 road, at present closed to traffic at Holywell because of a landslip.
§ Mr. John MorrisUrgent repair work is proceeding by day and night and is expected to be completed in four weeks' time.
§ Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will hold discussions with persons and interests adversely affected by the closing of the A55.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo. Every effort is being made to reopen the A55 to through traffic as quickly as possible, and I regret there is no other way in which I can assist those who may be affected by its temporary closure.