42. Mr. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Transport in view of the Government decision that steps must be taken to ensure if, and when, the need arises, the most rapid possible changeover from the high level of defence expenditure to greater expenditure on roads and other social and civil necessities, what specific action he proposes to take to reduce the delays involved in restarting work on uncompleted major road schemes, and on the commencement of other major road schemes, such as the construction of the Severn Bridge and priority motorway projects.
Mr. BraithwaiteUncompleted major road schemes could be restarted without delay and plans have already been prepared for a large number of new schemes of road improvement throughout Great Britain which could be put in hand quickly as soon as the necessary resources could be made available. As regards the 3W Severn Bridge, I would refer to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Coldrick) on 23rd March.