§ 58. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport whether any decision has yet been reached, by means of consultation with Scottish railway companies, concerning the future management and organisation of the Scottish railways; whether, as a result of such consultations, it has been shown that those responsible for railway management in Scotland are not in favour of the proposals of the Ministry of Transport; and whether, under these circumstances, he is willing to invite Scottish railway companies to submit proposals which may be made public, together with the views of the Ministry of Transport upon this matter?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)The proposals outlined in Command Paper 787 are still the subject of discussion between myself and representatives of the Railway Companies' Association, which includes the Scottish railway companies, and no final result has been arrived at. Throughout the conversations I have always expressed my readiness to consider any alternative or modiefid proposals which the Association may desire to put forward.
§ 59. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the urgent need to carry out certain improvements and repairs to highways in Scotland, including the provision of new bridges, he is arranging to employ as many men out of employment as possible during the winter months, after consultation with the local authorities concerned; whether there is any reason to fear that Scotland will not be given a full share of the money made available for road improvement and repair resulting from the new taxes during this winter; and if any specially urgent 1339 cases due to accidents to bridges, storm water to road surfaces, etc., may be dealt with at once?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe actual work of improvement of highways and bridges in Scotland is being undertaken, as is the custom generally, by the local authorities responsible for such highways, who directly control the employment of all labour upon these works. There is no reason to fear that Scotland will not get its proper share of whatever money is available for road improvement and maintenance during the next financial year. The local authorities are continuously in negotiation with the Roads Department, and, so far as funds are available, grants are being made towards the cost of specially urgent cases, such as those defined by the hon. and gallant Member.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when his proposed road scheme will be ready?
§ Sir E. GEDDESVery shortly, I believe. The proposals of the local authorities, I think, have all been received now, and the matter is in a very advanced state.