HC Deb 31 July 1923 vol 167 cc1258-60
36. Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the result of the negotiations with the local authorities in Scotland on the question of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have been asked to answer this question. The Director-General of Roads went to Scotland on 11th July and held further conferences with the local authorities. Negotiations are still proceeding, but agreement has not yet been reached as to the scope of the works to be undertaken, or the proportions of the total cost to be borne by the various authorities.

Mr. SHINWELL

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any assurance that the work will be proceeded with before next winter?

Colonel ASHLEY

I cannot give any assurance, because it depends upon a satisfactory arrangement being made with the local authorities as to the proportion of the cost of the work which they will undertake. We are doing all we can, as evidenced by the visit of the Director-General of Roads, to push this matter through, but it will depend on the attitude of the local authorities.

Mr. SHINWELL

In the event of the local authorities failing to agree, will the Government undertake the work themselves?

Colonel ASHLEY

That is a matter I will have to consider.

Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman see that no money is spent on this road at the expense of the roads in the North-East of Scotland?

Mr. MACLEAN

As one of the conditions laid down by the Ministry is that all the labour to be employed in the making of these roads is to be direct labour, are not municipalities and county councils which are not in favour of doing the work by direct labour ruled out from contract labour?

Colonel ASHLEY

I understand that the trouble has arisen largely owing to an Amendment moved by hon. Members opposite recently.

Mr. MACLEAN

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the Director-General of Roads when he comes back from Scotland?

Colonel ASHLEY

Of course, I will consult him.

Mr. HARDIE

Is it not a fact that it is not a question of money? All the parties concerned are agreed about the money. The money is there. It is simply a question of certain municipalities being in favour of private enterprise.