§ 15. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the completion of the Forth Road Bridge has been delayed by adverse weather conditions.
§ 44. Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether progress on the construction of the Forth Road Bridge is proceeding according to plan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeburnBad weather both last winter and this has interfered considerably with work on the bridge but technical discussions are now taking place with a view to recovering the time lost so that, if at all possible, the bridge can be opened to traffic by the end of 1963.
§ Mr. WillisIs the hon. Gentleman aware that people in Scotland will be disappointed that the opening has been delayed, but that that disappointment could be considerably offset if his right hon. Friend would once again look at the 427 very many representations made by bodies of all kinds in Scotland not to proceed with the levying of tolls?
§ Mr. LeburnThat is quite a different question.
§ Dr. ThompsonCould the hon. Gentleman at least give an assurance that he will not proceed with the installation of expensive electronic toll-collecting equipment on the bridge until further discussions on the question of tolls have taken place?
§ Mr. LeburnNo, Sir. I am afraid that in answer to this Question I could not do that, but, if the hon. Member puts down that specific question I shall certainly give an answer.
§ Sir J. GilmourWill my hon. Friend agree that the highest praise is due to all engaged on work on the bridge because of the difficult conditions in which they have had to work? Will he offer them our congratulations?
§ Mr. LeburnYes, Sir. I am sure that we should all like to pay our tribute to the work which has been done in very difficult conditions. I have never exposed myself to the hazards of the tower as one Scottish Minister has done, but I have a very vivid imagination.