Transport (Wales) Bill

moved Amendment No. 2:"Page 1, line 6, at end insert ““for the promotion of the Welsh economy, and””" The noble Lord said: The amendment specifically includes the goal of encouraging Welsh businesses and the Welsh economy. I and, I am sure, others, believe that that aim should be mentioned in the general transport duty of the Assembly in Clause 1(1)(a) alongside the all-important goals of safety, efficiency, effectiveness and so on. We know the importance of transport to the success of the Welsh economy. It is clear that the transport network in Wales is critical for the development of the economy and Welsh businesses. The Secretary of State, Mr Peter Hain, said last year that:"““our transport infrastructure serves as the backbone to economic growth””." Those of us who have some experience of Wales know the importance of the development of the M4 in the transformation of Wales from a heavy industry economy to a manufacturing economy. Similarly, the development of the A55 in north Wales has had a very beneficial effect on the economy of that area. It is therefore surprising to see no mention whatever of the economy in the Bill. The Assembly should be specifically looking to resolve problems in the overall economic environment as well as considering services for private users. The Assembly could do much to help business and the Bill should aim to ensure that the necessary steps are taken towards that end. We do not want the Assembly to forget for one moment the importance of transport in the development and sustenance of the economy. The aim of Amendment No. 8, which is grouped, is to ensure that the Assembly consults business organisations and groups, such as the Confederation of British Industry, chambers of commerce and Welsh businesses, great and small. In its yearly assessment of the infrastructure of Wales, the Institution of Civil Engineers recently gave Welsh transport a C grade, which, remembering my speech at Second Reading, means a very average quality. It is all-important that we have a first-class transport system. The ICE emphasises the importance of relieving congestion problems on the roads, especially in the pinch points in north-east Wales and around Newport. Consultation with that body and others like it is therefore important to ensure that the opportunity to improve co-ordination of the different systems and modes of transport, which the Bill may provide, is not lost. The amendment would ensure that the promotion of the Welsh economy is given due prominence in the Bill. I beg to move.