HC Deb 01 June 1932 vol 266 cc1153-4
20. Mr. GUY

asked the Minister of Transport the reason for the continued delay in the completion of the new Edinburgh-Glasgow road?

Mr. PYBUS

This scheme, which is of exceptional magnitude, suffered delay in its earlier stages owing to complicated negotiations regarding the bridges, etc. The little work still remaining to be done is progressing rapidly, and should be completed during the present summer.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that a good deal of the hold-up in connection with this road is due to the fact that the engineer-in-charge is carrying out other work while he is a Government servant?

Mr. PYBUS

No, Sir; I have no confirmation of that statement.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Could not the hon. Gentleman give, in reply to the main question, the reason for the excessive delay in this matter? It is true that it is a big scheme, but, as compared with the Manchester-Liverpool road, the delay has been excessive.

Mr. PYBUS

In my answer I stated that the delay in the earlier stages was due to complicated negotiations regarding bridges. I do not think that that has anything to do with the engineer-in-charge.