§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that two suicides from the Clifton Suspension Bridge have just occurred in five days, bringing the total record of suicides front this bridge up to 26 in 24 years; and, whether, in order to abate a public scandal, he will communicate with the Local Authorities or the proprietors; with a view to provide a protection for the sides of the bridge, similar to that by which suicides from Highgate Archway have been stopped?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I have communicated with the Mayor with reference to this matter. He informs me that this bridge is in the hands of a private Company. They have obtained additional powers by an Act passed this Session; and, moreover, the bridge has 1027 been brought under the control of the police of the City of Bristol. I hope these provisions will tend to prevent the recurrence of suicides; and I will take care to bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the Local Authorities.