§ 25. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how far discussions and plans have proceeded for the proposed construction of the underwater crossing of the Forth near Queens-ferry; and whether the technical soundness of the project has been confirmed.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have nothing to add to the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman by my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, on 22nd March.
§ Mr. WoodburnSince the very hopeful announcement of the Government, this consideration seems to have disappeared into the mist. Is it not possible for the Minister to say exactly what the situation is now, who is responsible for furthering it, and when it is likely that there will be any advance in the present situation?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs my hon. Friend explained on 22nd March, the Forth Bridge Joint Board agreed to the proposal of my right hon. Friend and myself that the tube scheme should be examined by a panel of experts, and we are proceeding to do that.
§ 34. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has now made a personal investigation of the Forth tunnel site; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterYes, Sir; but any statement must await a report from the panel of independent experts which is to be set up to examine the tunnel scheme.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayCannot my right hon. Friend announce now that, as a result of his visit to Queensferry, he was very much impressed with the importance of pressing on with the tunnel project with all possible speed?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIt was extremely interesting to see the site of this tunnel, but I do not think that I have anything to add to what I said on that question in my general statement on 2nd February.
Miss WardWill my right hon. Friend now look at the site of the Tyne Tunnel? We should be delighted to see him, and then, perhaps, we might have some success.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCertainly—if my hon. Friend will undertake to accompany me.