6. 3. Statement: The M4 Corridor around Newport Project

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:34 pm on 4 October 2016.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 3:34, 4 October 2016

Yes, clearly, Cabinet Secretary, it is very, very important that the evidence base for this very important decision is as sound as possible. So, could I ask that in considering the revised methodology that the UK Government has now put on the table regarding future forecasted traffic growth, Welsh Government might also look at methodologies pertaining to this decision more widely? For example, WelTAG, I think, has been subject to much criticism, in predicting a time saving for an individual car journey on a road, and then multiplying that to obtain an alleged economic benefit. So, I was quite interested in what you said, Cabinet Secretary, about perhaps looking at a Welsh formula that could be used, which could obviously take into account particular circumstances here in Wales, and I think, perhaps, some of the drivers for Welsh Government strategy and policy, such as the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and sustainable development as a central principle.

So, with that wider picture in mind, and particularly with regard to the criticism of WelTAG, would you incorporate consideration of those factors and possible changes in your consideration, going forward, on this matter?