§ 28. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement concerning recent representations made to him about a Forth road bridge.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe Forth Road Bridge Joint Board communicated to me an offer by certain financial interests to advance a loan for the construction of the bridge, provided that the principal and interest were guaranteed by the Government. After consulting my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, I replied that, for reasons which have been explained in this House, it had not been the practice of successive Governments to borrow for new road construction.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Secretary of State aware that that reply will occasion no surprise? Can he indicate whether the prospects for the Forth road bridge have brightened since the announcement that he is to take over responsibility for roads and bridges in Scotland? Further, can he indicate whether there is any significance in the fact that the Joint Under-Secretary, the hon. Member for Fife, East (Mr. Henderson Stewart), is now sitting with the Parliamentary Private Secretary on the bench behind?
§ Mr. StuartI can add nothing at this moment to what has already been said.