The Welsh Affairs Committee, of which I am a member, is currently conducting a follow up inquiry into the Severn Crossings and their impact on the Welsh Economy.

Last week, we heard evidence from the Welsh Government Minister, Jane Hutt AM, who announced that the idea of an M4 relief road is very much alive and that in her view this could be in part paid for by the Severn Bridge tolls.

As regular followers of this saga will know the bridges are due to return to public ownership some time in 2018. Both the UK Government and Welsh Government would like to take control of them following the end of the concession currently operated by Severn River Crossings PLC.

The Welsh Government has said their intention would be to “reduce the levels of the tolls and alleviate the burden on the economy” and that "the remaining toll income could contribute to major road infrastructure enhancements."

For weeks now the UK Government has briefed that it is considering funding improvements to the M4 by giving Ministers in Wales early access to borrowing, but as yet we have no firm commitment.

After 8 months of waiting for the UK Government’s response to the Silk Commission into Welsh Assembly powers (in which the issue of the M4 has been tied up), we learnt last week the issue will be delayed further into the autumn.

In the meantime, Welsh Government Transport Minister, Edwina Hart AM, has announced a public consultation, which will begin in September, on what scheme could be adopted for the M4.

It goes without saying that it is hugely important that we all, individuals and businesses, get the opportunity to have our say. I know that people in Newport recognise that something has to be done to help ease congestion on the M4, however, we also know that our area will be most affected by the plans and it is important to get it right.

I’ll be sure to publicise the details of the consultation when they are available, as, I’m sure, will the Argus.

This week saw the only surviving photograph of John Frost, one of the Chartist leaders, being displayed in the voting lobby of the House of Commons. It was a proud moment for Newport to see the Chartist movement recognised in this way.