§ 71. Major WHELERasked the Minister of Transport the estimated cost of the Mersey road tunnel scheme; whether the Government are making a grant from public funds for this expenditure: if so, what is the amount; whether any of this amount is from the Road Board Fund and, if so, what is the amount?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe estimated cost of the Mersey Road tunnel is £5,000,000, and the Government have agreed to make a grant from the Road Fund of 50 per cent. of the approved cost. No other grant from public funds is contemplated.
§ Major WHELERIs not that a very large sum to give to one small bit of road, considering the very large demands there are upon this fund for other types of road?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot agree that this is a short bit of road, as it serves the great city of Liverpool and the industrial areas of Lancashire and Cheshire, and is a very important artery of communication.
§ Major COHENCould the right hon. Gentleman say how much Liverpool contributes to the Road Fund?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI could not say exactly. The City of Liverpool would, of course, contribute the largest part of the 50 per cent. which does not come out of the Road Fund.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman formed any estimate of the increased value of property in Birkenhead due to the making of this road?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir.