HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc953-4
24. Mr. Mathers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the construction of a road bridge across the Forth, near Queensferry, has now been decided upon as a post-war development; and whether arrangements are proceeding with the interested local authorities so that the necessary legislation may be prepared?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

As I informed my hon. Friend in answer to a Question on 22nd September, my Noble Friend has come to no decision about the construction of a road bridge across the Forth.

Mr. Mathers

Is the Minister aware that the answers on this matter are looked upon in Scotland as simply not being good enough, and is he also aware that this fully matured project was before the war looked upon as being approved for bringing into operation whenever the circumstances would permit, and why is this negative attitude taken now?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I said that my Noble Friend has come to no decision either favourably or unfavourably, but I would point out to my hon. Friend that this is a question of priority. We shall require, after the war, a great number of development works for the improvement of the transport system, and my Noble Friend must choose to do first those which are most urgent and which will give the biggest economic return.

Mr. Mathers

Do we understand that certain priority projects have been decided upon and that this is not one of them?

Mr. Noel-Baker

No, Sir, I did not say that.

Mr. Shinwell

Has the Noble Friend referred to come to any decision on any post-war matter at all, and, if not, why not?

Mr. Noel-Baker

He has.

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether his reply is not a further argument for the right of Scotland to manage its own domestic affairs, and should not his Noble Friend transfer the power of decision to the Scottish Office?

Mr. Woodburn

Will my hon. Friend's Noble Friend keep in mind the social necessities as well as economic considerations in regard to projects of this kind?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, he certainly will.