§ MR. TATTON EGERTON (Cheshire, Knutsford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause the Government Inspectors of Railways to report on the safety of the railway bridge over the River Thames at Battersea Road, used by the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, as to its lateral strength, as there is an abnormal vibration on the central spans when any train approaches from either end?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe responsibility for the maintenance in a proper condition of their bridges rests with the Railway Company, and not with the Board of Trade. But if any representation were made to me by a Local Authority, in which adequate primâ facie proof of the necessity of an inspection were given, I should direct such an inspection.
§ MR. EGERTONWhat Local Authority?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHA Local Authority interested.
§ MR. EGERTONBut there is no Local Authority.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHOh, yes! There is a Local Authority on each side of the river, as well as the Thames Conservancy Board.