§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the motion unanimously passed by the annual general meeting of the Convention of the Royal Burghs of Scotland held at Edinburgh on 4th and 5th April last approving the scheme for the construction of a Forth road-bridge at Queensferry; if any estimate has been made of the probable cost of the bridge; and if and when the necessary legislation may be expected?
§ Captain WallaceI have received a copy of the motion to which the right hon. Member refers. The cost of a Forth road-bridge and approaches at Queensferry is estimated at about £3½ millions.
My predecessor stated on 27th July, 1938, that in view of the need for concentrating the financial resources of the country upon its most urgent requirements, and particularly upon defensive rearmament, the Government are unable in the present circumstances to offer a contribution towards the cost of this bridge.