§ 66. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has yet decided in favour of a tunnel or a bridge for the new crossing of the Tyne.
§ 68. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has now received and considered the views of all the interests concerned about the proposed Tyne tunnel or bridge.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have considered the views of all the interests concerned and, although a bridge would cost much less and provide more space for traffic, I have with some reluctance decided that it would not be an acceptable alternative. 1221 I am, therefore, prepared to agree in principle to the construction of a tunnel with one two-lane carriageway.
§ Dame Irene WardNow that the decisions have been taken—which is very satisfactory—are we to retain our priority? In view of the urgent need of proper communication between the North and the South of the mouth of the River Tyne, when are we likely to get going on the tunnel? It is most important that we should not have our communications held up any longer. Can my right hon. Friend get along with it very quickly, please?
§ Mr. WatkinsonWe will do the best that we can. I have made this announcement today because I know that the matter has been causing anxiety. There have been town-planning difficulties arising from the possibility of a bridge I have at least cleared that out of the way. I will take careful note about what my hon. Friend says about building a tunnel.
§ Mr. WilleyWhile welcoming the end of the uncertainty, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can assure us that the tunnel will take its priority, in other words, that it stands next to the Whiteinch project?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe only thing I am prepared to say is that my predecessors made various statements about this project and that I shall endeavour to implement them.