§ 58. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement of Government policy in relation to expenditure by local authorities in making preparations for proceeding with the projected Forth road-bridge?
Captain HudsonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on 3rd November. I may add that it may be understood that if and when the scheme is started and a grant is made any preliminary expenditure necessarily incurred will rank for grant.
§ Mr. MathersCan the Minister say what is covered by his description "preliminary work"? Does it include, for example, actual physical preparation of the site for a bridge?
Captain HudsonI would ask the hon. Member to put that question down, JO that we can tell him exactly what is covered by the term.
§ Mr. MathersThe statement is made that the preliminary work will rank for grant, and surely, I am entitled, to ask the Minister of Transport what will rank for grant in the way of preliminary work?
Captain HudsonI can give the hon. Member a general idea, but I want to give the hon. Member a detailed description of exactly what is meant by the term "preliminary expenditure."
§ Mr. R. GibsonCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether that preliminary work will be done before it is actually decided that the scheme shall be entered into?
§ Miss HorsbrughCan my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the same conditions apply to the Tay Bridge?