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Tay Road Bridge

Volume 642: debated on Tuesday 13 June 1961

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34.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the present high level of unemployment in the City of Dundee he will advance the starting date for building operations on the Tay Road Bridge.

The starting date in 1963, which the local authorities concerned have agreed with me should be aimed at, has taken many factors into account, such as the time necessary for them to take powers to build the bridge; the time required to prepare the engineering plans; and the competing claims of other road projects on our funds. I doubt whether it would be practicable to advance it.

Is the Secretary of State aware that that date was agreed as the latest possible date? Has his attention been drawn to the representations of the Lord Provost to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour? Is the Secretary of State aware that I understand that the only reason why the bridge cannot be begun in the summer of next year is the Government's unwillingness to authorise it and to give the necessary financial approval?

I am not prepared to add to my original reply. I have noted what the hon. Member has said, but I also hope that he will consider what I have said.