HC Deb 17 July 1950 vol 477 cc1842-3
39. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Transport why the cost of erecting the Bailey bridge for the Festival of Britain is charged on the Road Fund; and by what authority.

Mr. Barnes

Its construction is authorised by the Public Works (Festival of Britain) Act, 1949, Section 8 of which provides that the Minister of Transport may, with the consent of the Treasury, make grants towards meeting the expenses incurred in the exercise of the powers conferred by the Act. Provision for grants under this Act is made in sub-head E of the Roads, etc., Vote.

Sir J. Mellor

Should not the cost of this footbridge be charged to the Festival expenses, and the Road Fund reserved for the roads?

Mr. Barnes

It is. It is merely made a part of the Road Fund as a matter of convenience. I should like to make it clear that it in no way interferes with my general road expenses.