HC Deb 26 July 1927 vol 209 cc1014-5
45. Mr. AMMON

asked the Prime Minister why the Committee of engineers, representatives of the Government, the London County Council, and the Southern Railway Company which he recommended to inquire into and estimate the cost of a bridge and its approaches at Charing Cross, in further-ance ance of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on cross-river traffic in London, has not been appointed?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have been asked to answer this question. On the 14th of May I requested Messrs. Mott, Hay and Anderson, the well-known firm of engineers, to undertake this inquiry in conjunction with Sir George Humphreys, the chief engineer of the London County Council, and with the assistance of Mr. A. W. Szlumper, the chief engineer of the Southern Railway. These gentlemen have been actively engaged upon the examination of the problem ever since.

Mr. AMMON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when the Report is likely to be presented?

Colonel ASHLEY

Oh, no I think the consideration of this question must take quite a number of months. It is a very important project involving many millions of pounds sterling.

Mr. AMMON

Is the Ministry of Transport aware that it is now two years since this project was first mooted and it is a standing disgrace to London?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am also aware that it is only two months since the Committee was appointed.

Mr. AMMON

Is not the delay the fault of the Government?

Mr. B. SMITH

Can he say what is going to happen to Waterloo Bridge in the meantime?

Colonel ASHLEY

I understand it is going to remain as it is.

Mr. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the county council do not really believe that the Government are sincere in their action?

Mr. AMMON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the report that there has been a further subsidence and that this is costing £10, 000 a year?

Colonel ASHLEY

But surely the hon. Member does not suggest that the Government should undertake a project which may cost £12, 000, 000 or £13, 000, 000 without careful and proper consideration?

Mr. AMMON

I am suggesting that the Government ought to have taken this matter in hand much more quickly.

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