asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware of the problems caused by the delay of the Welsh Office in dealing with the question of a bypass in Welshpool; and what he intends to do about the matter.

Yes. Following the opposition to the Department's original proposals an alternative scheme was prepared and preliminary work proceeded as soon as financial considerations allowed. Preparation of the scheme is proceeding satisfactorily and I hope that draft line and side road orders will be published mid-1979.