§ 31 Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Home Secretary whether the Metropolitan police have received any instructions to prevent the overcrowding of vehicular traffic upon Westminster Bridge, or whether the police authorities, in consultation with the engineering experts of the London County Council, are satisfied that the fabric of the bridge is capable of safely bearing any stress that may be imposed upon it, and that no special regulation of the traffic is therefore necessary?
Mr. HENDERSONNo special instructions have been given to the Metropolitan police to prevent overcrowding of vehicular traffic upon Westminster Bridge but, with a view to relieve congestion, in the communiqué issued to the public as to alternative routes consequent upon the closing of Waterloo Bridge, drivers have been induced, as far as possible, to avoid Westminster Bridge and make use of Vauxhall. The London County Council are the Highway and Bridge Authority for Westminster Bridge, and they recently informed the police that no special restriction of traffic was required in the case of Westminster Bridge.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESHas the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that these enormous weights imposed upon the bridge are safe?
§ Mr. MARCHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London County Council are taking precautions to see if it is safe by having engineers to investigate it?