§ 53. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the new situation created by the failure of Waterloo Bridge, before any public money is actually paid from the Road Fund towards work in connection with St. Paul's Bridge, an opportunity will be given to Parliament to discuss the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are unable to give special facilities for such a discussion; but if there were any general desire on the part of the House, no doubt arrangements could be made through the usual channels for discussion of the Ministry of Transport Vote in Committee of Supply.
§ Viscount CURZONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the very large expenditure, nearly £1,000,000, to be spent on the approaches to St. Paul's Bridge, Parliament should certainly be given an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ Mr. MILLSWill the Prime Minister take into consideration the report that the steamship "Wandle" during the War, in Government service, rammed one of the pillars of Waterloo Bridge, and, it so, could not part of the cost be regarded as arising out of the War period?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must have notice of that. With regard to the other question, arrangements can be made in the usual way for raising such a discussion in Committee of Supply.
§ 67. Mr. BECKERasked the First Commissioner of Works if, as Waterloo Bridge is closed to traffic, he will consider putting a pontoon bridge over the Thames alongside the existing bridge for the convenience of pedestrians?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Gosling)I have been asked to answer this question. The question of the erec- 2196 tion of any temporary bridge falls within the competence of the London County Council.
§ Mr. BECKERThis bridge is the only means for my constituents to get across the river; are they to depend on the London County Council?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThis is a matter for the London County Council, but I am fully alive as to its importance, and am in close touch with the Council.
§ 80. Mr. LINFIELDasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the closing of Waterloo Bridge, and the urgent need of increased facilities for transpontine traffic over the Thames, he will take immediate steps to deal with the matter in a comprehensive manner?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20th May to the hon. Member for South Kensington, of which I am sending him a copy. I am, however, keeping closely in touch with the London County Council on the whole matter.
§ Mr. LINFIELDDoes the reply deal with the comprehensive scheme?
§ Mr. GOSLINGYes.