HC Deb 15 July 1970 vol 803 cc1509-10
12. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Transport what additional grant his Department is offering to South Shields Corporation towards the cost of the Western Approach road project, work on which was originally scheduled to commence this year.

Mr. Peyton

None, Sir. The standard grant of 75 per cent. for principal road schemes such as this will be available.

Mr. Blenkinsop

While I recognise that that answer confirms the decision reached by the Minister's predecessor, will the right hon. Gentleman do whatever possible to encourage the Conservative local council to get ahead with this scheme, which is so important for developing new industry, in view of the fact that the council turned down a project which had previously been agreed upon?

Mr. Peyton

I welcome the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question rather more than the second part, but, of course, an enlightened Conservative council can rely on my support and encouragement.