HC Deb 26 October 1979 vol 972 c324W
Mr. W. Benyon

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the need for another Severn bridge.

Mr. Fowler

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have decided to put in hand an initial study to look at the potential need for a further Severn crossing and the form this might take. We have set up an official working party to examine the likely development of traffic flow and the capacity of the existing crossings—i.e. by road via the Severn bridge and Gloucester, and the railway tunnel—and the access routes. The working party will also consider the terms of reference for a full feasibility study in the light of its initial findings and of wider planning considerations.