§ 54. Mr. Cassellsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is now prepared to authorise the building of the new Forth Bridge, in view of the fact that the initial cost, amounting to £3,000,000, would be spread over a period of approximately six years, that actual building operations would only commence approximately two years from authorisation, and that approximately 4,000 workers of the steel trade in Scotland are unemployed at present?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3rd 111 ay to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers).
§ Mr. CassellsBeing fully aware of the answer to which the right hon. Gentleman refers me, I take it that the initial expenditure of £3,000,000 will be expended over a period of six years?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI should require notice of the precise spread-over of the spending of this money.
§ Mr. CassellsMay I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement in the question and ask him whether he agrees with it or not?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe statement is made by the hon. Gentleman himself in the question. He does not ask me to verify it, but I will willingly verify it if he so desires. I was answering on the operative point.
Mr. J. J. DavidsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for War will be grateful to him if he builds this bridge?
§ Mr. MathersDoes not the Minister realise that he is laying down impossible conditions for the local authorities by telling them to get on if they wish, but that he will take no responsibility? Has he no ambition to be the author of this scheme?