§ 60. Mr. MATHERSasked the Minister of Transport in what way the Government consider that the national defence programme prevents the provision of a road-bridge over the estuary of the Forth near Queensferry meantime; when it is considered that the time will be opportune; and whether he is prepared to meet the local authorities' representatives to discuss the desirability of early progress being made?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have nothing to add to the statements made on behalf of the Government on 5th November and yesterday.
§ Mr. MATHERSMay I ask what stands in the way of the Government giving authority now, or entering into an agreement now, that this bridge should proceed? Is the Minister aware that years of preliminary work will be needed before any steel, for example, will be required in the construction of the bridge?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThat is the question that I have answered. I have referred to the statement which lays down that the Government will feel bound to have primary regard to the overriding importance of the national defence programme, and the demands which that programme will progressively make upon the national resources.
§ Mr. MATHERSHow long—[Interruption]—how long is the defence programme expected to make such demands upon, for example, steel output as will make it impossible to proceed with these bridges; and may I also ask this important question: Is it agreed by the Government that, when the requirements of 865 the defence programme have been met, these bridges may proceed, and in what order, alphabetical or otherwise?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe question "How long?" should be addressed to a higher quarter. The last part of the 'question I also answered when I stated that this decision will not exclude the reconsideration of these projects at a later date.
§ Miss WILKINSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to suggest by his previous answer that the reason why the bridge over the Forth cannot be proceeded with is lack of steel? If so, will he inquire of the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade why we could not have a steel works in Jarrow, in order to provide sufficient steel both for the bridges and for whatever defence programme is required?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThere was no suggestion in the answer that there was any lack of steel, but there was a suggestion that in the placing of orders His Majesty's Government must give priority to the defence needs of the country.
§ Mr. MATHERSrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERCaptain Plugge.
§ 63. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the approaches to the new bridge at Kincardine-on-Forth are inadequately sign-posted; and whether his Department are taking steps to have this improved?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir.