HC Deb 15 May 1970 vol 801 cc417-8W
Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies were made of traffic density and traffic flow over the new Kingston Bridge in Glasgow before plans for building it were approved; and what consultations with local residents and with Glasgow Corporation were held by officials of his Department before such plans were approved.

Mr. Ross:

Glasgow Corporation's consultants made comprehensive traffic studies for the whole of the inner ring road, including Kingston Bridge. The bridge was indicated in the first quinquennial review of the corporation's development plan, published in 1960, when there was an opportunity for objections. The corporation discussed its proposals fully with officials of my Department before detailed plans were approved.

Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what routes through Pollokshields will be classified as trunk roads after the Kingston Bridge is opened to traffic; and what he expects the traffic density to be on them for each year between 1969 and 1974.

Mr. Ross:

None.

Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the total cost of the Kingston Bridge across the Clyde; and what proportion of the cost is to be borne by the ratepayers of Glasgow.

Mr. Ross:

£11.5 million, of which Glasgow ratepayers will bear 25 per cent. less the appropriate share of rate support grant.

Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the annual rating loss to the City of Glasgow caused by the destruction of buildings to make way for the construction of the approach roads to the new Kingston Bridge.

Mr. Ross:

This information is not readily available, and I would not feel justified in asking Glasgow Corporation to extract it. Any reduction in local rating resources is made up through the resources element of rate support grant.

Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the total cost of the road alterations on both banks of the Clyde as a result of the construction of the Kingston Bridge; and what proportion of the cost of these alterations is to be borne by the Glasgow ratepayers.

Mr. Ross:

The cost of such works cannot readily be ascertained. In so far as they are an integral part of the Kingston Bridge scheme, Glasgow ratepayers will bear 25 per cent. of the cost, less the appropriate share of rate support grant.