HC Deb 10 February 1954 vol 523 cc1158-60
7 and 8. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) the present estimated cost of the projectedroad bridge over the Forth; how long its most speedy construction would take; and to what extent the construction could be proceeded less speedily with any economy; and

(2) the capital expenditure necessary to be estimated for each year from the first onwards for the construction of the projected Forth road bridge.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am advised that the bridge and its approaches as originally planned would cost about £13½ million, that they would take at least six years to construct and that no appreciable economy would result from a slower rate of construction. No reliable estimate could be given of the expenditure in each separate year until plans had been prepared in greater detail.

Mr. Woodborn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his previous replies have created the impression that he has finally decided against the building of a bridge? On the assumption that that is a mistake, may I ask whether he is aware that the joint board have now produced a scheme which would give a modified plan reducing the capital cost to about £9 million, and that the expenditure per year, increasing from the first year, would begin at only about £200,000? Does not the Minister consider it to be desirable to make steady progress towards the eventual building of the bridge rather than to create the impression that he has decided against it?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

What I am concerned about is to improve as soon as possible the facilities across the Forth for the people who need them today. Because of that I have been anxious that the Commission should get on with improving the ferry services without a feeling that there might be a bridge within the next few years. I have felt obliged to say that I could not put the bridge in the immediate programme. I have not ruled it out. I am constantly looking at the matter in the light of the situation as conditions change and develop.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the urgency of getting some improvement of some sort before either the bridge can be completely built or an improved ferry introduced? Some expediency is urgently called for within the next 18 months.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We shall have some news in the next month, because I expect that the report on Sir Bruce White's proposal will be with me in March.

Mr. Hamilton

In view of the very bad reception which the Minister's recent proposals for road improvement in Scotland and elsewhere received, would not the right hon. Gentleman repent somewhat and let us get on with at least the first two or three years' work on the bridge? Does not he realise that any improvement in the ferry will not placate Scottish people?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Such reception as I have received compares very favourably with what would happen if those in the Labour Government who promised an ambitious programme and withdrew it within nine months ever care to remind the public of what they said.