Humber Bridge (Hansard, 19 May 1971)

§ 21. Mr. McNamara
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, whether he will now make a statement on the financing of the Humber Bridge.

§ Mr. Graham Page
My study is making good progress but I regret that I cannot yet make a statement.

§ Mr. McNamara
Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable concern on Humberside about the delay on this matter? Will he say when we can expect a firm answer from him and his right hon. Friends? Secondly, will he try to indicate the nature of the financial problems which are causing the delay? Thirdly, will he confirm that it is his Government's intention to start the bridge in 1972 and complete it in 1976, as was the intention of the previous Administration?

§ Mr. Page
I know the anxiety of the Humber Bridge Board to commence work in 1972, and I hope that we shall be able to do that. The traffic flows have to be studied, since on them will depend the repayment of any financing provided by the Government. The hon. Gentleman is right to question me about this matter. I am anxious to give a decision very soon now. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not hold me to this, but it will be only a matter of two or three weeks.

§ Mr. James Johnson
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members on both sides of the House will bless him if he makes a favourable decision in a week or two? Will he confirm that the Humber Bridge Board has put him in possession of all the financial and technical information that he requires to make a decision? Is he aware that his decision will represent a symbolic gesture of the Government's faith in the economic future of Humberside?

§ Mr. Page
The Bridge Board has been very helpful. But we want to get the financial side right. I hope to make an announcement soon, but I want to get it right before I make the announcement.