§ Mr. MATHERSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to make a statement of the policy of the Government in relation to the projected Forth road-bridge?
§ Mr. GUYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the proposed Forth road-bridge?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAHis Majesty's Government have examined the case presented for new bridges over the estuaries of the Forth, the Severn, and the Humber. They have felt bound to have primary regard to the overriding importance of the National Defence programme and the demands which that programme will progressively make upon the national resources. His Majesty's Government have come to the conclusion that they would not be justified in embarking upon the execution of these public works at the present moment, but this decision does not exclude the reconsideration of these projects at a later date.