§ 27. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement upon the report of the Humber Feasibility Study Unit with particular reference to the starting date of building the Humber Bridge.
§ Mr. UrwinAs explained in my answer to the hon. Member on 11th December last, the Government hope to publish the Humberside Report in three or four months' time. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual elements in the Report at this stage.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes not my hon. Friend appreciate that this added delay merely aggravates the feelings on Humberside of M.Ps., industrialists, and those in local government alike? Does not my hon. Friend accept that it is impossible to plan Humberside without joining the two banks of the Humber? In view of this, why do not the Government at least state that they will build a Humber bridge, 1553 even if they do not give us at this moment a starting date?
§ Mr. UrwinI know that my hon. Friend is deeply concerned, as are many of my Ion. Friends, not only about the report, but about the Humber bridge itself. I cannot add anything to what has already been said on the subject. Other planning work is still going on and can proceed even in advance of the presentation and consideration of the recommendations in this report.