§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Transport what is the current value of expenditure on the road programme in Portsmouth; whether he will initiate discussions with the City Council on the delays in implementing the Commercial Road Tidal-Flow System; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. Bob BrownThe value of current expenditure on the road programme in Portsmouth, taken as the total value of grants authorised and likely to be authorised for principal road schemes in the city during the financial year 1969–70, is —507,329.
The divisional road engineer has been in close communication with the City of Portsmouth Engineer at all stages of the development of the tidal flow system, the equipment for which, because of its highly specialised nature, has taken longer than expected to manufacture and instal. The contractors have to satisfy the City Engineer that the equipment is working correctly, and tests are continuing. The system will be brought into operation when the present equipment and circuit faults have been rectified, allowing time for public advertisement.