§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give particulars of all the weak bridges contained in the priority lists which have been prepared following upon the various bridge conferences, details of the steps being taken in each case, and the dates by which it is anticipated that the work will be completed?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe number of weak bridges contained in the priority lists prepared by highway authorities after conferences with the other interests concerned is about 1,200. The five-year programmes already submitted provide for the reconstruction of 357 weak2874W bridges to be commenced in the current financial year. I hope that within the period of the five-year programme it will be possible to deal with the remainder of the bridges on the priority lists, and so far as I am concerned every effort will be made to secure that result.
§ Sir P. HURDasked the Minister of Transport what is the position of the work of reconstructing weak bridges; and whether steps are being taken to ensure that all the bridges placed in the programme will be reconstructed within the five years period of the programme?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe five-year programmes of highway authorities submitted to date include 357 weak bridges on which work of reconstruction is to be commenced during the present financial year. I hope to secure the reconstruction, within the five years, of all privately owned bridges to a standard of strength which will secure the maintenance of adequate communication by road.