HC Deb 21 March 1956 vol 550 c1220
15. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has now been made with the construction of Linlithgow Bridge.

Mr. Watkinson

I have advertised for tenders.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that the statement made by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary last time I raised this question that the Stirling County Council was to blame for the delay has caused great offence there? Would he make quite clear his more recent conclusion that the county council had nothing whatsoever to do with that delay?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not think anyone is to blame. The important fact is that I have advertised for tenders, and if they are satisfactory the work will start.

Mr. Woodburn

The point is that the Joint Parliamentary Secretary definitely said then that the delay was due to the Stirling County Council, and that has caused great offence. Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the least he can do is to withdraw that suggestion courteously, as he has done in the letter?

Mr. Watkinson

I am perfectly willing to do that, but as I have not all the facts at the moment I will first carefully look into them.