§ 54. Mr. TRAINasked the Minister of Transport the approximate date when the Glasgow-Edinburgh road will be completed; and what are the reasons for the delay with the work?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI am informed that the full extent of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road will probably be available for traffic before the end of the year, with the exception of short bypasses at Salsburgh, Bankhead and Newbridge, although the final surfacing operations may not be entirely completed for the whole distance. It is, however, anticipated that the whole will be completed during the coming year. The delay which has taken place is partly due to the negotiations with the railway companies with regard to bridges and in part to the fact that the constructional work on seven miles of the existing road was postponed until the cost of the other sections could be more closely determined.
§ Mr. TRAINIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that every effort is being made to give employment on this road to the unemployed in that area?
§ Mr. MORRISONAs far as the present Government are concerned, certainly; I cannot answer for the last one.