HC Deb 12 November 1958 vol 595 cc365-6
27 . Mr. Marquand

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when construction of the Severn road bridge will be begun.

Mr. Watkinson

It is the Government's hope to start constructional work on the Severn Bridge some two years after work on the Forth Bridge is reasonably well advanced.

Mr. Marquand

In view of the decision to increase investment in the public sector, and the fact that there is capacity for producing structural steel now available in Middlesbrough and the Tees-side area, will the right hon. Gentleman accelerate this date—bring it forward slightly?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that perhaps the right hon. Gentleman has not noticed what was said when the original announcement was made. This bridge is a very large engineering project which requires special treatment for the cables and it is necessary, therefore, for technical reasons, that it should be phased in with the Forth Bridge.

Mr. Gower

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider this matter? Is not it a fact that there is a great deal of road development to be done on both sides of the Severn? Will he take steps to bring forward the date when that work will commence?

Mr. Watkinson

I will certainly look into the question of roads, but I am answering on the question of a bridge.