§ 30. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Transport if he has now acquired the necessary working areas on both sides of the Severn for the construction of the Severn Bridge; and if he will now fix a date for the commencement of the project.
§ Mr. MarplesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend gave on Wednesday, 17th February, 1960, to the hon. Member for Abertillery (The Rev. L1. Williams). Negotiations for the acquisition of the necessary land are still in progress.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the substantial industrial development on both sides of the Severn and the fact that this matter is one of great urgency? Will he do his utmost to bring forward the date of commencement of the project?
§ Mr. MarplesYes, but it is only sixteen days or so since negotiations were started and we have to allow them to take a reasonable course.