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Transport (Wales) Bill

I am surprised that there is so little talk about the estimated costs of the strategy because, certainly in my experience, the cost of developing road works of one kind or another can be significant and extend over a substantial period. I would argue that it is necessary to plan any expenditure that involves an integrated transport system well in advance—we may be talking about five years, seven years or even a decade. Therefore, it is very important to have as good an idea as possible of costs of what you have let yourself in for at the start. I am sure that, in time, the Assembly and others participating in the development of the integrated strategy will realise how important estimates of costs are. With regard to the financing of joint authorities, I accept what the Minister says: that there should be no significant extra costs. Nevertheless, local authorities have let it be known that there may be additional costs arising from their joint activity, which would be instigated by the Assembly. Therefore, in their argument, the Assembly should bear the additional cost of such activity if it is insisted on by the Assembly. Those are matters for further consideration. For the time being, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 6 not moved.]