HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1254-5
16. Mr. Mathers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his departmental engineers will consider, in conjunction with the local authorities and others concerned, the relative merits of the projected bridges over the Forth at the Mackintosh Rock and Inchgarvie sites, respectively, taking into account navigational and other problems, and thereafter come to a decision regarding this link in the Scottish trunk-road system.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I will gladly consider the merits of any schemes which may be laid before my Department by the responsible authorities.

Mr. Mathers

Is it not possible for the Minister to take the initiative in seeking to obtain the information and to make the necessary surveys?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I believe that some of the local authorities now have inquiries going on and that they would not regard it very favourably if we tried to take them out of their hands.

Mr. Mathers

If the local authorities ask the Minister to come in, will he do so?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I will consider it when the request is received.