HC Deb 27 October 1952 vol 505 cc1560-2
30. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the attraction of light industry to central Fife is hampered by the lack of a Forth road bridge; and whether, in view of the rapidly growing importance of the developing Fife coalfield, he will take immediate steps towards furthering the construction of such a bridge.

Mr. Braithwaite

My right hon. Friend is aware that this project would benefit many interests, but in present economic circumstances it is impossible to give any indication as to when it will be possible to allow it to proceed.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that this answer is now growing very long whiskers? Is he further aware that Fife will be very soon the most important coalfield in Scotland; that this bridge has been in contemplation now for more than 100 years; and that Scotland is getting heartily sick of the same sort of answer?

Mr. Braithwaite

I am aware of those facts, but the hon. Gentleman would recall that on 26th October, 1948, which, after all, is not 100 years ago, the Forth Road Bridge Joint Board were informed by the Government of the day that they had agreed to this scheme being brought to contract at a later stage on the clear understanding that, in view of present economic conditions, it would be a number of years before constructional work could be considered. Grants totalling £230,000 have so far been authorised towards the cost of preliminary work, and I am afraid that beyond that we cannot go at present.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that unemployment in Scotland then was rather less than half what it is now, that young women and girls in Fife are finding it impossible to get a job because there is no light industry, and that the construction of this bridge would help very much?

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in addition to the Fife coalfield great developments are also taking place in the Lothians and that that part of the country will soon become very densely populated, with tremendous industry? Would he make sure that, while taking into account the economic difficulties of the country and the lack of steel, plans are brought to such a point that if a slackening of employment takes place, or there is any reduced demand for steel, the work can go ahead without delay?

Mr. Braithwaite

We are as anxious to go forward with the work as the right hon. Gentleman was when he was Secretary of State for Scotland.

Sir W. Darling

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that this project, unlike many others, is backed by the finances of the County of Fife and the City of Edinburgh, and that this is really an important aspect in considering the use of economic resources?

Mr. Younger

Would the Minister bear in mind that whereas there is at least an existing railway bridge over the Forth, there is no bridge at all over the Humber, and will he keep that in mind when considering priorities?

Mr. Braithwaite

I recall that the right hon. Gentleman and I went on a deputation on that subject to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Vauxhall (Mr. G. R. Strauss) and we drew a blank.

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