§ 83. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the closing of Waterloo Bridge and of the proposal to allocate funds from the Road Board to the approaches of a bridge to be constructed at St. Paul's, he will take steps to see that no grant is made until an opportunity has been afforded to Parliament to discuss the question; and whether, in view of the condition of Waterloo Bridge and the increased strain thrown on other bridges, he can arrange for a committee to inquire into the whole question of the present condition of the bridges over the Thames and the proposals to construct new bridges and improve existing bridges?
§ Mr. GOSLINGOpportunities exist for a discussion of the subject in the House if so desired. In reply to the second part of the question, I would suggest that the matter is one that could appropriately be considered by the London Traffic Advisory Committee which it is proposed to set up under the Bill now before the House. I also understand that the London County Council have under consideration a proposal for inviting the City Corporation to assist in the setting up of a joint Commission to inquire into the whole question of London bridges.
§ Viscount CURZONCan the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that there will be no expenditure of public funds towards St. Paul's Bridge or any other bridge, until the Advisory Committee which is to be appointed under the London Traffic Bill has had an opportunity of considering the whole question?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHHow long will it be before Waterloo Bridge is reopened?
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of people are of opinion that it is unnecessary to construct the suggested St. Paul's Bridge, and will he undertake, as requested, to see that no expenditure occurs until the matter has been discussed in this House?
§ Mr. BECKERIs it possible to throw Westminster Bridge open to pedestrians?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI understand that passengers are still using Westminster Bridge.
§ Mr. BECKERI meant Waterloo Bridge.
§ Mr. GOSLINGI am not in a position to give the assurance asked for by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall). The hon. and gallant Member knows how to raise the question in the House.
Sir F. HALLWhy will the hon. Gentleman not give an undertaking that the matter shall be discussed before there is any expenditure? What is the reason for not giving an opportunity for general discussion?
§ Viscount CURZONMay I ask the Leader of the House whether he can give an assurance that we shall have an opportunity of discussing this question before any public money is spent?
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Clynes)I will consider the matter.