HC Deb 21 November 1962 vol 667 cc1204-5
35. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that the major South Wales contracts for wire ropes for the Severn Bridge have been placed with a bridge consortium from north-east England, what steps he is taking to ensure that South Wales companies are given an opportunity of tendering for the ancillary suspender ropes.

Mr. Marples

In accordance with my request to the joint engineers for the Severn Bridge the main contractors have been asked to obtain competitive quotations for the supply of suspender ropes from suppliers with suitable capacity, including suppliers in South Wales.

Mr. Callaghan

I am much obliged to the Minister. Will he convey to the bridge consortium, in view of its monopoly position, that there will be a fearful row in South Wales if none of the work goes there and that its activities are being scrutinised very closely indeed?

Mr. Marples

Spinning the cables, which is done on the site by a special process, could not be done by South Wales firms. The question whether an order for other equipment is given to the people of South Wales will depend entirely on the merits of their tenders.

Dr. Bray

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the general high unemployment position in South Wales and the North-East and has he heard the remarks of the Chancellor of the Exchequer about increasing expenditure on roads and bridges in those areas?

Mr. Marples

I am quite certain that the question of a tender should be decided on the merits of whatever the firm of contractors submit.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the Minister aware that that is all they want?

Mr. Marples

And that is all they are going to get.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Callaghan, Question 36.

Mr. Callaghan

In which case I can tell the Minister that we shall be satisfied.

Mr. Speaker

These exchanges are so swift that they have drowned my calling Question 36.