§ 59. Lieut.-Colonel THOMasked the Minister of Transport why he is preventing certain local omnibus proprietors taking their omnibuses over the canal bridges on the Fort William-Inverness Road; and when he intends to under take the reconstruction of those bridges?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)It has been found necessary recently to take action to restrict the use of these bridges to loads which they are capable of carrying with safety. I have the whole matter under consideration.
§ 60. Mr. F. ROBERTSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the condition of many of the canal bridges in the Midlands is such as to cause inconvenience to road transport users; that, whilst many of the local authorities concerned are willing to assist in a scheme for putting these bridges into a condition suitable for modern traffic, there is difficulty in initiating a comprehensive scheme; whether he has given any consideration to this matter; and whether he can hold out any hope of immediate action being taken in conjunction with the local authorities?
§ 61. Mr. J. BAKERasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience caused to traders who make use of road transport as a result of the condition of many of the canal bridges in the Midlands; and 1182 whether, in view of the fact that these bridges are only maintained in a condition strong enough to bear the weight of traffic customary at the time of their erection, and are thus inadequate for present-day needs, he can take any steps for the immediate promotion of a scheme to strengthen these bridges?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware of the inconvenience caused to road users by the weakness of numerous canal bridges in the Midlands and elsewhere. I have received representations from various deputations on the subject and the matter is engaging my close attention. While there would obviously be great difficulty on financial and other grounds in dealing immediately and comprehensively with all weak structures of this kind, I am always ready, in appropriate cases, to give assistance to highway authorities from the Road Fund towards the cost of bringing bridges on important roads up to a modern standard.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs not the Minister holding up his action until he gets statutory powers? Is not that the main reason for much of this delay?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes and no. A certain amount is now being done. If canal companies and local authorities were in agreement, then I should be able in appropriate cases to give assistance from the Road Fund.