§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that an urgent need exists in many parts of the country for the construction or reconstruction of iron or steel bridges; whether, in view of the number of unemployed in the iron and steel trades, the Government propose to take steps in the near future for the provision of such bridges; and whether the Government have formulated any definite schemes for this purpose?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe construction or reconstruction of a large number of bridges is included in the programmes of work now being carried out for the relief of unemployment with assistance from the Road Fund. I regard word of this kind as desirable and have encouraged highway authorities to undertake such schemes. The choice of material rests, however, primarily with the responsible highway authority, and is governed largely by local and technical considerations. Iron and steel are being utilised to a very considerable extent.