Inner Ring Road, Glasgow

HC Deb 12 March 1969 vol 779 cc1371-2

36. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made on the Inner Ring Road, Glasgow City.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

Construction is keeping pace with the programme envisaged in the Corporation's "Highway Plan for Glasgow". Stage I of the Town-head interchange has been completed; stage I of the Woodside stretch is almost complete; the Kingston Bridge and its approaches are two-thirds complete; and work has started on stage II of the Woodside stretch.

Mr. Hannan

Is my hon. Friend aware that many citizens in Glasgow recognise in these projects a great tribute to the previous administration for its planning and its work? Is my hon. Friend aware that since the advent of a new political administration in George Square there has been a trend towards retrenchment, and a cutting back, not only of these projects, but in the development areas? Will he do all that he can to defeat these efforts?

Dr. Mabon

I accept what my hon. Friend says. It causes some concern. My hon. Friend will be glad to know that the final part of the inner ring road that we authorised, that is, the Charing Cross section, is estimated to cost £6.2 million, of which the Government will contribute £4.7 million. I take my hon. Friend's point that it is important to keep these road developments and other developments going at the present pace.