§ 14. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the programme for the building of the Tay Road Bridge is up to schedule; and by what date the bridge will be open to traffic.
§ Mr. NobleI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Doig) on 15th June.
§ Sir J. GilmourDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that this progress reflects great credit on the Scottish contracting firm concerned? I understand, however, that it is running into more difficult conditions as it approaches the south side of the river. Will this have any effect on the cost of the bridge?
§ Mr. NobleI do not think at the moment that there is any likelihood of the cost which was forecast being exceeded. At the moment, we are running well within the estimated figure. It is a little difficult to forecast questions of delay in the remainder of the building of the bridge because that depends so largely on things like the weather, over which the contractor has no control. But he is well ahead of his programme at the moment.
§ Mr. DoigWill the right hon. Gentleman consider engaging this contractor to see that roads are also built as speedily as the bridge so that they will be there when the bridge is ready?
§ Mr. NobleI am certain that this contractor's record has been noticed by many people, not only in the Scottish Office but also outside. If roads are wanted he will have the same opportunity as anybody else of obtaining the contract.