§ 14. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the new roads for servicing the British Motor Corporation factory at Bathgate are likely to be 205 started and completed; and what part of the normal programme is to be curtailed to balance the extra outlay.
§ Mr. MaclayIt is intended that work should start in August and be completed by May, 1961. The cost will be met out of funds available for major improvement works this year, but these funds must always be administered flexibly in order to allow for schemes of special urgency and it is not yet possible to say precisely what adjustment of the programme may be necessary.
§ Mr. WoodburnIn other words, these flowery words mean that something else will be cut in order to provide this extra road for the B.M.C. In view of what has been said about unemployment in Scotland and the availability of labour and road-making machinery, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it disgraceful that, because this extra work has to be done, other valuable road work in Scotland must be stopped?
§ Mr. MaclayThe right hon. Gentleman really should not always assume the worst. It is a great mistake.