§ 27. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is road-making plant lying idle and in Scotland ample labour; and whether he will use these for an attack on major road problems in Scotland.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware that the civil engineering industry in Scotland could do more work on roads and I shall authorise that work as quickly as the necessary funds can be made available.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs it not foolish to allow the lack of funds to stand in the way of employing thousands of people who are now unemployed in Lanarkshire where a great road from Edinburgh requires to be put into a proper condition? Is it not the case that much plant and civil engineering machinery is lying idle and rusting? Is it not sensible to put the idle men and machines to work and to see that funds are provided?
§ Mr. MaclayThe right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the amount of employment given by modern road making is relatively small in relation to the capital expenditure involved. He will also appreciate that the funds available must be allocated without competing with other demands on national resources.
§ Mr. StracheyWill not the right hon. Gentleman regard a through-road between the Forth and Tay Bridges as commanding high priority in any new road programme which he proposes?
§ Mr. MaclayThere is another Question on the Paper dealing with that.