§ 57. Lieut.-Colonel THOMasked the Minister of Transport what sum has been 1019 expended to date on the construction of the Anniesland-Duntocher boulevard, in Scotland?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)As far as I am able to judge from the payments made to the local authorities under the grants in respect of this road scheme, the expenditure to date may be assumed to be upwards of £375,000.
§ Lieut.-Colonel THOMIs my right hon. Friend aware that, despite the expenditure of this enormous sum of public money, this road is not available to the public as a through highway, because of the failure of the authorities to connect the necessary link over the canal at Drumchapel, and what steps does he propose, in the circumstances, to take to compel them to make this necessary connection?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am painfully aware of the difficulties, and, if my hon. and gallant Friend could indicate to me privately what steps I can take to bring this undesirable state of things to an end, I should be very grateful to him.
§ Lieut.-Colonel THOMIs the House to understand that the Minister has no power to connect these two parts of the road, despite the expenditure of this enormous sum of money?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have no power to compel the canal company and the local authorities to come to an agreement, but it must not be imagined that they will not come to an agreement, only there has been considerable delay.
§ Mr. R. HUDSONWere arrangements made to secure agreement before the public money was spent?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWe naturally assumed that agreement would be reached, and I think it will be reached. What my hon. and gallant Friend is complaining of is the delay, and that I regard as deplorable.
§ Lieut.-Colonel THOMCan my right hon. Friend inform the House how long it is since the two parts of the road were completed, and how long the two parties have been negotiating about the construction of a bridge?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI should have to have notice of that question, but about two-thirds of the road is completed.
§ Mr. W. THORNECan we be sure that we shall have enough money to complete the road?