§ 26. Mr. CLARRYasked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the 313 necessity of reconstructing a number of suitable bridges in the county of Monmouthshire, and to the difficulty of this county, which is partly scheduled as a distressed area and already too overburdened with rates, of finding even a small proportion of the necessary finance, he will recommend that the total cost of such works be borne by the Exchequer?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of the bridges to which he refers, I shall be prepared to discuss the question of their reconstruction with the County Council on the basis of whatever rates of grant are available for that purpose. I should, however, be unable to recommend that the total cost should be borne by the Exchequer.
§ Mr. CLARRYWould my right hon. Friend be prepared to consider the matter if it were on the ground of national expediency and economy that both these bridges should be constructed and should find work for men locally?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI understand the proposal to be that the highway authority should surrender its autonomy and that we should take over its functions?
§ Mr. CLARRYNo, I did not make that suggestion.
§ Mr. DAVID GRENFELLWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any progress has been reported in the consultations between the local authorities and the building of the Severn Bridge; and whether his Department is giving full encouragement to that project?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI shall be willing to give the hon. Member any information in my possession if he will specify the information that he desires.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs there any information in the Department as to the progress made in the consultations between the local authorities?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have said that if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice (if the information that he requires, and it is available, he shall have it.