HC Deb 09 May 1949 vol 464 cc1492-3
59. Mr. Odey

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now prepared to consider proposals for the construction of a bridge or a tunnel across the Humber.

Mr. Barnes

No, Sir. I could not regard such a project as of sufficient priority to justify consideration at the present time.

Mr. Odey

As the right hon. Gentleman is unable to take any immediate steps in this matter, will he at least ensure that the time-table of the ferry service across the Humber is greatly improved, and that the present exorbitant charges for cars are greatly reduced so that car drivers are encouraged to save the 40-mile detour on the journey from Hull to the South?

Mr. Barnes

That appears to me to be an entirely different question from the one on the Order Paper.

Captain Hewitson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the hard core of 5,000 unemployed in Hull would be a very desirable labour pool with which to start such a project?