HC Deb 19 April 1967 vol 745 cc562-3
41. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Transport what design studies or other preparations are being made for the Humber Bridge.

Mrs. Castle

The design studies are the responsibility of the Humber Bridge Board which, I understand, is carrying out soil and wind tunnel tests.

Mr. Wall

Can the Minister say whether any design studies into alternative forms of crossing, such as a barrage or tunnel, have been made by her Ministry or locally?

Mrs. Castle

I do not think that any such studies have been called for. The Humber Bridge Board, which is particularly interested in this project, is satisfied with the broad concept that has already been adopted as a result of a consultant's survey.

Mr. James Johnson

Since the future date for building this bridge is bound up with decisions made by the feasibility study unit which is now working at Barton-on-Humber, can my right hon. Friend say when it is likely that this decision will be given to the House?

Mrs. Castle

No, Sir. I am afraid that without notice, I could not give a specific date.

Mr. McNamara

Would my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that when the study is completed, the decision will not be shuffled from one Government Department to another but that we will be given a speedy reply?

Mrs. Castle

The Government are extremely interested in the study and in seeing its outcome.

Sir C. Osborne

Will the Minister remember that the trade flow is east and west, and not north and south, and that those of us from south of the Humber prefer improvements to the Immingham and Grimsby docks and better roads connecting with the Midlands, and that the Humber Bridge should be a secondary consideration?

Mrs. Castle

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's views but I also stand by what I have said repeatedly, which is that if and when the Government decide on massive developments south of the Humber, clearly the Humber Bridge must form part of those developments.