§ 51. Mr. GILBERTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement that the City Corporation propose to proceed shortly with the building of the new St. Paul's Bridge; whether he is aware that it is estimated that this bridge, at present prices, will cost about £4,000,000; that there already exist two bridges, namely, Blackfriars and the rebuilt Southwark Bridge, quite close to the site of the new bridge, and that it does not connect any main traffic arteries north or south of the river; and whether, in view of the present need for economy in public expenditure, the Government will use their influence with the City Corporation not to proceed with the proposed new bridge, but to use their Bridge House Estates' money on a part of the river where a new bridge is more urgently needed in the interest of London traffic?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)I have been asked to reply to this question My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is receiving a deputation from the Corporation of London in the course of next week, when the policy to be pursued by the Corporation will be discussed. The financial aspect of the proposal and other considerations referred to in the hon. Member's question will doubtless come under review on the same occasion, and pending that interview, the hon. Member will realise that I should not be justified in expressing a definite opinion upon the project.