asked the Minister of Transport the present position with regard to the Severn Bridge and the Government's intentions in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether instructions have been issued to suspend the erection of the Severn Bridge; and, in view of its urgent need for developing transport and trade between Wales and South-west England and the continued unemployment in this area, if he will give every possible priority to its completion.

This scheme, together with other major schemes of capital equipment, is under consideration, and my right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make a statement.

Are we to understand that it was not under consideration on 22nd July when the Order was made?

There is no question of the scheme not being carried out. It is only a question of time. It is a very necessary and desirable scheme in the interests of South Wales.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Minister of Transport has assured the House that this scheme is part of the rehabilitation of South Wales, and will my hon. Friend emphasise to his right hon. Friend that this scheme should have a very high priority if South Wales is to get back on to its feet?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend fully agrees with that.

Does not my hon. Friend also think that this scheme will help to cement the friendship between these two great countries?

Would the Minister give a clear answer to this question? Are they going on with the Severn Bridge, or are they not?

I cannot say anything further than what I have already said, namely, that this proposal and other schemes of capital expenditure will be considered very shortly.

When the Department are reconsidering this scheme, will they bear in mind that there is no point in stopping it while there is a large reserve of unemployed, unless those men are going into the export trades? Further, will the Department also bear in mind that if they do not supply another 10,000 tons of structural steel to South Wales, they will not get the export factories completed anyway, and they will just continue to have unemployment?

Yes, Sir. That is one of the factors which we have in mind.