HC Deb 25 November 1953 vol 521 cc329-30
20. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what major road improvements, costing over £500,000 each, have been commenced, completed, or contemplated in Scotland in the current financial year; and on what similar projects can a start next year be undertaken.

Mr. Molson

In the current year, none, Sir. I cannot say what schemes can be started next year until we know what funds will be available.

Mr. Hamilton

Is not this a sorry state of affairs? Is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary not aware that he said last week that priorities were indicated in each year's Estimates, and are we to take it that the Government do not think that a single scheme in Scotland is worth priority to the extent of £500,000? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that each of the first four years of the Forth Road Bridge project would involve less than £500,000, and does he not think it desirable that at least a start should be made on this very desirable project?

Mr. Molson

The hon. Member will have to await the publication of the Estimates, and, without making any commitment, I hope that it may be possible to incorporate some substantial schemes for the benefit of Scotland next year.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister to look very carefully at some of the very dangerous roads which urgently need improvement, such as the main road between Glasgow and Stirling, which is a really disastrous road so far as traffic is concerned? There should be some arrangement of an urgent nature to get it put right.

Mr. Molson

I entirely agree with the right hon. Gentleman, and we have that road very much in mind.

26. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how the priorities concerning major transport projects in Scotland in the financial year 1954–55 will differ from those of the cur rent year; and what are the reasons for such differences.

Mr. Molson

I cannot say what priorities will be next year until we know what funds will be available.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the Minister give us a specific undertaking that a definite list of priorities will be indicated in the forthcoming Estimates, and can he indicate whether there is any prospect at all of the Forth Road Bridge featuring in it?

Mr. Molson

I think the hon. Gentleman is quite capable of understanding the Estimates when they are produced.