HC Deb 23 June 1952 vol 502 c1814
5. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Transport what proportion of the 10-year programme of highway development announced by the Minister of Transport in May, 1946, has now been completed; and how much of the 800 miles of proposed new motorways has either already been built or is now under construction.

Mr. Braithwaite

Progress with this programme has been severely restricted by economic conditions. A few substantial works of major improvement have been completed or put in hand and plans have been prepared for others. A number of danger spots have been dealt with and further progress is being made in this matter in the current year. No motorways are under construction, although some preparatory planning is being carried out.

Mr. Holt

Is not the Minister aware that the whole of the country's economy has been seriously handicapped by the lack of a determined policy on behalf of previous Governments? Is not he further aware that road development offers a very high economic return, and will he see that it is not the Cinderella of Government capital projects?

Mr. Braithwaite

I am so well aware that I detained the House for some 45 minutes last Friday.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can my hon. Friend say how far back in the programme the Forth Road Bridge has been placed?

Mr. Braithwaite

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would put that question on the Order Paper.