§ 23. Mr. MAXTON(for Mr. KIRKWOOD) asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to open the Glasgow Edinburgh road for traffic; can he explain why it has taken eight years to complete the road compared with the original estimate of three years; will he state the total cost of the road as compared with the original estimate; and how much of this will be borne by the Minister and how much by the local authorities?
§ Mr. PYBUSA considerable part of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road has been open for traffic for some time and the little work still remaining to be done should be completed during the present 387 summer. I am not aware that the work was originally estimated to last three years, and the only delays which have been brought to my notice are those experienced in arriving at an agreement with the various authorities and railway companies as to the works to be undertaken. The original estimate for the work was £2,115,000, of which £1,532,500 was to be provided by my Department and £582,500 by the local authorities. It is now estimated that the total cost of the scheme will amount to about £2,323,300, of which £1,708,350 would be provided by the Ministry and £614,950 by the local authorities.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIt is now over two years since I was told that this road would be completed in a very short time. Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries why this extraordinary delay has taken place? Further, is he sure that no blame attaches to his officers for the delay?
§ Mr. PYBUSThe delay is certainly not due to the Department. It has been a very difficult piece of work. We hope the whole road will be opened in the summer.