HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1026-7
14. Mr. M. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about a Tay road bridge.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I understand that since the Secretary of State's meeting with the local authorities concerned on 12th November last they have been discussing with the Dundee Harbour Trust questions affecting the northern end of the bridge in relation to the harbour. I expect that when these discussions have been completed the local authorities will arrange for test borings to be taken along the line proposed for the bridge.

Mr. Hutchison

Can the Joint Under-Secretary say when work is likely to start on the bridge? Is he aware that such a bridge will do much to improve the (low of trade in east Scotland?

Mr. Macpherson

Before questions as to when a start can be made on the bridge may be considered a lot of work must be done. A provisional Order has to be obtained. Other interests, such as the Dundee Harbour Trust, have to be consulted and engineering plans have to be prepared. All that work has to be done before the possibility of authorising the bridge is considered.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

If these trial borings prove successful, can the Joint Under-Secretary give an assurance that he will give an early starting date for the bridge?

Mr. Macpherson

As I have said, a great deal more work will have to be done even after that test has been made.