HC Deb 04 June 1924 vol 174 cc1234-6
44. Viscount CURZON

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the necessity for the Government to make further efforts to relieve unemployment, any of the following proposals will receive their support and assistance; a road bridge over the Firth of Forth at Queens-ferry, a road bridge over, the Tay at Dundee, and a tunnel under the Thames for road transport at some point close to Erich and Tilbury, a road bridge over the Severn at some point as near Chepstow as possible, a tunnel under the Mersey for road traffic near Wallasey, a tunnel for road traffic under the Humber at some point close to Grimsby and Hull, the removal of level crossings over main arterial roads, and their substitution by bridges or traffic subways?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Gosling)

I have been asked to answer this question. With the exception of the last, the schemes referred to in the Noble Lord's question are all at the present moment the subject of discussion with the authorities concerned. In two cases arrangements are being made for a survey and report, and in a third case a report has already been made by three eminent engineers. I may point out that each of these schemes would require Parliamentary powers. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given him on 3rd June.

Viscount CURZON

In respect to the latter part of the question, cannot the hon. Gentleman and his Department take the initiative of seeing what they can do in the matter themselves?

Mr. GOSLING

We are continually doing so.

Colonel ASHLEY

In view of the fact that the Prime Minister has stated that the Government contemplate assisting arterial roads out of State funds, will the hon. Gentleman see whether this at least cannot be done out of State funds instead of asking the local people to do it?

Mr. GOSLING

It seems advisable to ask the local people to bear their share.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the County Council have dropped the idea of a road bridge over the Tay, and, if they have, would the Ministry not themselves be prepared to consider a scheme on their own account?

Mr. GOSLING

We will look into that.

Mr. STURROCK

Is not the position of the proposed road bridge across the Forth due to the fact that the Minister of Transport so far has not come to any agreement or arrangement for a survey and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to advance the question by securing that a survey is completed?

Mr. GOSLING

If the hon. Gentleman will put down that question, so that I may see it fully, I will give him an answer.