§ 61. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the latest representations from the Forth Road Bridge Promotion Committee urging that a decision on the project should now be announced by the Government in view of increasing unemployment and better supplies of steel and other materials being obtainable; and whether he will make a statement on the matter?
§ 62. Mr. Kennedyasked the Minister of Transport whether he has now considered the renewed appeal of the local authorities and the Forth Road Bridge Promotion Committee regarding the preliminary steps to be taken in connection with the proposed Forth road bridge; and whether he is now prepared to authorise this long-delayed proposal?
§ Mr. BurginI am not in a position to add to the replies already given as to the Government's attitude towards this and similar projects.
§ Mr. MathersMay we take it that the right hon. Gentleman recognises the Promotion Committee as a body whose opinion should be given very careful consideration, and can he not take the initial step now of authorising the preliminary expenditure being incurred to be charged to the road account?
§ Mr. BurginI have already said that I cannot add to the replies I have given as to the Government's attitude towards this and similar schemes, but I am perfectly willing to admit that the Forth Road Bridge Promotion Committee are a body whose views should have consideration, together with those of any other authorised body.
§ Mr. Louis SmithDoes not the Minister consider the time is fast approaching, owing to the better position in the steel trade, when the construction of such bridges as this should be put in hand?
§ Mr. MathersDoes the Minister accept the views of the Promotion Committee as indicated in their letter and embodied in my question?
§ Mr. BurginI am not prepared to add to the reply given with regard to this and similar projects.