HC Deb 21 March 1928 vol 215 cc361-2
25. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now prepared to make a substantial grant, and, if so, how much, towards the cost of extending Dock Street, Dundee, from the old flour mills to Taybank housing scheme on the Ferry Road?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have been asked to reply. This scheme was the subject of preliminary discussion, on the 8th instant, between representatives of the City of Dundee and officers of my Department. When full details of the project have been submitted and examined, I will consider whether it is possible to give assistance during the coming financial year.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Are the details being further examined now?

Colonel ASHLEY

Yes, they are now being examined.

26. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to confirm the general understanding of representatives of Perthshire and Forfarshire County Councils, as also of Dundee City Council, that his Department will make a grant of 75 per cent. to the estimated cost of £64,000 for the completion of the Kingsway?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have been asked to reply. The scheme in a preliminary shape has been before my Department on several occasions, but, until the local authorities concerned have reached a definite agreement among themselves as to the precise form of the scheme and the allocation of the cost, I cannot enter into any commitment regarding assistance from the Road Fund. No offer of a 75 per cent. grant has been made, nor is any offer of a grant at that rate likely to be made.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

If the consideration of this question is proceeding apace, could not the right hon. Gentleman give them now a definite understanding as to what percentage would be granted, in order to facilitate the settlement?

Colonel ASHLEY

No; I think I must ask the local authorities to come to some definite agreement among themselves and then come to me, and then I will consider what I can do. That is a condition precedent to such grants throughout the country generally.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

As the scheme involves work for no fewer than 150 men for two years, might not the right hon. Gentleman see his way to accelerate some arrangement?

Colonel ASHLEY

If the hon. Member will speed up the local authorities' consideration of the matter, and put the scheme up to me, I will consider it directly it arrives.

Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND "TROYTE

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that nothing but British material is used on this scheme?