81. Captain SHAWasked the Minister of Transport whether the question of constructing road-bridges over the Firths of 1806 Forth and Tay has been considered by the Cabinet in connection with the problems of helping industry in the special areas of Scotland; whether inquiry has been made into the quantities of steel and other materials which would be required for this work; whether he can give the House any statement as to the estimated amount of labour which would be engaged; and what reduction would consequently be effected in payment of unemployment benefit?
Captain HUDSONThe Government have not overlooked the fact that various industries would receive orders as a result of proceeding with any project of this magnitude, but in the building of bridges and making of roads the policy must be dependent on traffic considerations, and the local authorities have been invited to discuss this aspect of the matter.