§ 17. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Minister of Transport whether, when the neighbouring local authorities have drawn up specific recommendations, including the offer to contribute reasonably to its cost, he will be prepared to reconsider the proposal to build a road bridge across the Forth at or near Queensferry and, in particular, to cause a full examination of the project to be made?
Mr. STANLEYUntil sufficient time has elapsed to gain experience of the effect of the improved ferry service at Queensferry, and of the factors introduced by the bridge under construction at Kincardine-on-Forth, I do not feel justified in giving further consideration to the proposal to build an additional bridge at Queensferry.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs not the Minister aware that neither the Kincardine bridge nor the ferry is looked upon in Scotland as making any contribution whatever towards this problem of the crossing at Queensferry, and in these circumstances will he not consider at least making an official survey, which cannot be carried out by the local authority?
Mr. STANLEYIf we wait a little, we shall be able to see whether the local view of the effect of these two improvements is correct.
§ Mr. STEWARTIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.