asked the Minister of Transport whether he is promoting himself, or assisting the Liverpool City Council or the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board in promoting, any works of improvement, extension or development in the next five years; and, if so, will he consider expediting the preparation and his approval of the schemes so as to bring the work forward, thereby giving practical early assistance in reducing the unemployment in the city?

I am not promoting or assisting the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board to promote any works in Liverpool, but under the city council's road programme I have approved in principle, for grants from the Road Fund, road and bridge schemes estimated to cost £400,000. I understand that the city council have under consideration further road and bridge schemes estimated to cost £1,350,000. I am prepared to give immediate consideration to all these schemes as soon as detailed plans and estimates are submitted by the council.