§ 52. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the frustration created in the 1274 city of Bristol at his refusal to increase grants for the purpose of major road improvements to meet the growing traffic; and if he will now, in view of the urgent need, give reconsideration to the request of the Bristol City Council for such assistance.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have carefully considered the representations recently made to me by Bristol Corporation against the background of my national responsibilities. I regret that I cannot at present add to the number of schemes I have already invited them to prepare.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that because Bristol is the gateway to the West it is necessary to have the roads in fine condition and that the Bristol Corporation is prevented from doing this because it has not got the finance to do so? Will he give the position careful consideration?
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I saw a large deputation from Bristol, when they made their case ably, I thought, but I have to consider national priorities and not only those of Bristol. My answer is based on my decision on national priorities.