HC Deb 22 January 1963 vol 670 cc18-9W
58. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the cost of the Forth Road Bridge has caused a reduction in the allocation of funds for other roads in Scotland; what annual revenue he now estimates will be raised by the toils to be charged on this bridge; and if Her Majesty's Government will devote the money so raised to the construction of those roads in Scotland on which work has been delayed because of the priority given to expenditure on the building of the bridge.

Mr. Leburn

While expenditure on the Forth Road Bridge was taken into account in drawing up the Government's road programme of which it is part, it is impossible to speculate on the progress which would have taken place elsewhere if there had been no bridge.

I have as yet no information as to the revenue the Joint Board will seek to secure by the tolls which are, of course, subject to the approval of my right hon. Friend; but the level of expenditure on roads in Scotland will be determined by the proportion of the national resources which the Government consider can be devoted to this purpose.

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