HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 cc1052-4
31. Mr. Steele

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the major road schemes he proposes to authorise in the period after 1958–59.

37. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to state what will be the estimated authorisations and expenditure, respectively, for the roads programme in Scotland in each of the years 1958–59 to 1961–62.

Mr. Maclay

I intend to put in hand in the four years beginning in April next schemes which will ultimately cost the Exchequer about £40 million. This sum will include provision for the Forth Road Bridge, the second Whiteinch Tunnel, the completion of the reconstruction of the Glasgow—Stirling Road, the continuation of the reconstruction of the Glasgow—Carlisle Road and further schemes under the crofter counties programme. This programme must, of course, be subject to the general economic and financial circumstances of the time.

Mr. Steele

Will the right hon. Gentleman give in the OFFICIAL REPORT a complete survey of the work that he proposes to authorise in the years which I have mentioned? Can we have an undertaking that the money will be spent on these schemes so that we shall not have a situation such as that referred to in a Written Answer yesterday where, while the money is authorised, there is great delay in the work being done?

Mr. Maclay

I will examine the possibility of circulating some information, but there must be a certain element of flexibility if we are to get the best use from the available money in these years. I should not like to tie myself too tightly to precise details of what will happen in each individual year.

Mr. Steele

Did not the right hon. Gentleman in answering a previous Question indicate that there was a long delay in acquiring land and other matters? Surely local authorities and others ought to know what is in the Secretary of State's mind so that they can get on with the job?

Mr. Maclay

We always try to give as much warning as we can, and we intend to do so.

Mr. Ross

While we are glad to know that in the next four years work estimated to cost £40 million will be authorised, can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication how long it will be before the work is finished? We are still working on some schemes authorised before the war.

Mr. Maclay

I should not like to enter too far into the realms of prophecy at the moment.

Mr. John MacLeod

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that, in order to get the best value from the money available, it is time he reclassified the road system throughout the Highlands because it is out of date and that was why a previous Question arose?

Mr. Woodburn

Does the right hon. Gentleman's long-distance programme mean that he is trying to formulate a programme for the next Labour Government?

Mr. Maclay

The answer to the right hon. Gentleman is "No, Sir." In reply to my hon. Friend, I will certainly note very carefully, as I always do, what my hon. Friend says, but I should be rash to promise to reclassify all the roads in Scotland in a hurry.

Later

Sir D. Robertson

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Might I ask my Question No. 37?

Mr. Speaker

Question 37 was answered with Question 31.

Sir D. Robertson

Question 31 did not concern payments. It concerned authorisation only. Question 37 concerns payments.

Mr. Speaker

I looked at the hon. Member to see whether he wished to ask a supplementary question but he did not rise. I am very sorry about it.

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