§ 58. Mr. MATHERSasked the Minister of Transport in view of the presentation of the case by the local authorities in support of the projected Forth road-bridge, whether it is the intention to make a statement of the attitude of the Government before the Recess?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe date on which the local authorities have sent their case to my Department makes a negative answer to this question inevitable.
§ Mr. MATHERSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the published statement that this report was sent a number of days ago, and can he say, if delay has taken place, where it has taken place?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy recollection is that this report was received in my Department at the week-end. It has taken the local authorities some months to prepare a very involved case, and it would be an injustice to them to give a decision upon it without due examination.
§ Mr. GUYWill my right hon. Friend make arrangements to receive a deputation of local authorities before the Recess.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf the local authorities make that or any other request, I shall be most happy to entertain it.
§ Mr. CASSELLSIs the Minister aware that the Scottish people as a whole are desperately indignant at the manner in which their opinion on this question is being flouted?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir, I am aware that many people are indignant on many occasions.