HC Deb 19 April 1955 vol 540 cc30-1
43. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will invite Dundee Corporation to send observers to the official discussions on the proposed tube across the Firth of Forth.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

No, Sir.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that there is a very widespread feeling in Scotland that a Tay crossing is an essential complement to a Forth crossing, and that the technical question of a tube across the Forth is of vital interest to Dundee? Is he aware that, if a tube is practicable across the Forth, enough money will be saved to provide a tube across the Tay?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that the hon. Member misunderstands the nature of the discussions. They are to obtain the agreement of the local authorities directly concerned over the membership and terms of reference of the expert committee which is going to examine the two crossings.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is this not a case where it will be a welcome change to have more low-level talks?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will give the hon. and gallant Gentleman's proposal the consideration which it merits.