HC Deb 16 June 1953 vol 516 cc722-3
37. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have taken place since 28th April last between himself and the Minister of Transport on the question of the acquisition of land to permit the construction of a Forth Road Bridge; and with what results.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

As the Forth Road Bridge Joint Board are already empowered to acquire land, it has not been necessary for my right hon. Friend to discuss this matter with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the Secretary of State familiarised himself with the able case put forward by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh on 28th April at a meeting which the Secretary of State did not attend? Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to give an undertaking that if at the forthcoming meeting in Edinburgh the Minister of Transport should give the same answer as he gave on 28th April the Secretary of State will not meekly accept it?

Mr. Stewart

There is to be another meeting which will be attended, I hope, by my right hon. Friend, with the Minister of Transport and other people in Edinburgh, on 19th June when the whole matter will be properly considered.

Major Anstruther-Gray

May we take it that the Secretary of State will do everything in his power to deal with anything that is delaying the construction of this much needed bridge?