5. 4. Statement: The Public Local Inquiry on the M4 at Newport

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:30 pm on 21 June 2016.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 3:30, 21 June 2016

Well, can I thank the Member for his question, and say, yes, it’s trans-European network? I wouldn’t consider it an unnecessary cost to actually bring this road up to a position where we’ll be able to deliver on the hopes and ambitions of the people of Wales, by having a road that not only can we use in a way that, I’m afraid, the current one can’t be used—you can’t rely on smooth and swift travel along it—but also, in terms of our contact with European partners, we need a major trans-European network, to ensure that our exports can get out of the country, whether it’s to Ireland or to mainland Europe, and I think that’s absolutely vital. So, I’d consider it necessary spending, not on the basis of being able to continue, if you like, giving it the tag of having trans-European network status, but actually to ensure that it delivers economic prosperity for the people of Wales.

In terms of his other queries and questions, toll road costs are, of course, a matter for the UK Government, which I’ve been discussing with the Secretary of State. Our talks have concerned the possibility of abolishing or reducing the toll charges. Until we know what the decision is going to be on that, we won’t be in a position to be able to allocate charges for any project, let alone the M4 build.