HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 cc3103-4
67. Mr. Quibell

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recession in the iron and steel trade, he will now give his approval to the authorities concerned in the promotion of the Humber bridge to proceed with the preliminary work and negotiations necessary for such a scheme; and will he take steps to ensure that the expenses incurred in such promotion shall rank for grant?

68. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to announce his decision with regard to the Forth road-bridge?

72. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to announce his intentions regarding the proposed Forth road-bridge?

85. Mr. A. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the construction of a bridge over the Severn river?

Mr. Burgin

The Government have reviewed the position regarding these three schemes for the construction of bridges over the tidal estuaries and regret that in view of the need for concentrating the financial resources of the country upon its most urgent requirements, and particularly upon defensive rearmament, they are unable, in the present circumstances, to offer contributions towards the cost of these bridges.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the great disappointment which his answer will cause not only in Scotland and the other places affected, but in the steel trade where there are large numbers of people out of work, and that his answer will mean that the Government will have to make further contributions in unemployment pay?

Miss Horsbrugh

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that people in Scotland are anxious that the rearmament programme should go on?

Sir Louis Smith

Having regard to the considerable industrial development of North Lincolnshire, and to the fact that the local authorities in that district are prepared to find the major proportion of the cost of the Humber Bridge, will my right hon. Friend give this matter further consideration, especially having regard to the inadequate facilities over the Humber?

Colonel Baldwin-Webb

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that there are other claims in the country and that other roads require equal treatment?

Mr. Mathers

When will this matter be reviewed?

Mr. Quibell

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.