§ 40. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Transport if he will now state when work will be started on the Severn Bridge project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayTenders for construction of the foundations and sub-structure of the Severn Bridge and an access road to the site are under consideration. We expect to let the contract for this work shortly.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIn view of the tremendous amount of patience shown by the people of South Wales—and people in England, too—may we be told what precisely "shortly" means? Has the Minister any idea of the completion date of this scheme?
§ Mr. HayThe invitations to tender were issued on 28th September, 1960, and after a request by several potential tenderers we were obliged to extend the tender period to 10th January, which was, after all, only a few days ago. We are now on the point of deciding.