HC Deb 01 March 1937 vol 321 cc28-9
68. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has given further and favourable consideration to the demand for more adequate cross-river traffic east of Newcastle than river ferries; and, as the proposed tunnel presents no engineering difficulties, is he prepared to support the same?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)

My right hon. Friend has already promised considerable grants for the improvement of traffic facilities in this area. He has offered to contribute 60 per cent. towards the working expenses and outstanding loan charges of the Jarrow-Howdon Ferry, a grant of 50 per cent. of the approved cost of the abolition of tolls on both the Redheugh and high level bridges over the Tyne, and a grant of 60 per cent. towards the approved cost of purchase of the vehicle and passenger ferries over the Tyne between Tynemouth and South Shields. The annual contribution to the Jarrow-Howdon Ferry would be approximately £9,200 per annum, and the estimated cost of the other improvements is in the neighbourhood of £355,000. He is also prepared to consider any submissions for the construction of a new by-pass road on the west of Newcastle-on-Tyne and the construction of a new bridge at Scotswood, as such a scheme would appear to be the most satisfactory method of reducing existing congestion and facilitating through traffic between north and south.

Mr. Adams

Is the Minister aware that ferries were in use on that part of the Tyne in the Middle Ages; and does he not think that the time has arrived for something more modern?

Captain Hudson

My right hon. Friend is endeavouring to improve the communications there, and he thinks that the arrangements which I have outlined are the best in the circumstances.

Mr. Ede

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman draw his right hon. Friend's attention to the fact that Scotswood Bridge does not help the communications between North and South Shields at all?

Captain Hudson

It does help the communications between the North and South of England.