§ 35. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will restore the priority formerly given to the Severn bridge project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have nothing to add to the Answer I gave my hon. Friend on Wednesday, 6th March.
§ Mr. GowerHas my right hon. Friend noted that since responsibility for the Forth Bridge passed from his own Department to the Scottish Office that project has been advanced in priority, despite the fact that local opinion was divided on the question of tolls? As the people in West Wales and the West of England want a Severn Bridge, with or without tolls, will the Minister name a starting date for the Severn crossing?
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo. What I have noticed is that the Scots have stolen a march on the English, as they often do, but that does not affect the priorities either for the Tyne crossing or the Severn Bridge, which I have very much in mind.