§ 39. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, since 1920, schemes of road construction in the county of Middlesex have required the building of 25 bridges over and under railways; that, although negotiations for the construction of these bridges have been going on for nearly seven years, there are still seven bridges not started; and, in view of the fact that a large sum of public money has been spent upon constructing roads which cannot be fully used by the public, will he make representations to the railway companies concerned to bring the negotiations to an early settlement?
§ Colonel ASHLEYlam aware that seven of the bridges mentioned by the hon. Member have not yet been begun, but I understand that the negotiations relative to these particular bridges have not been so prolonged as is suggested, and in two cases have only recently been opened. In two other cases agreements have already been entered into enabling work to be commenced, and I hope that in the remaining cases a satisfactory issue will very shortly be reached.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling that some of the railway companies concerned have been unnecessarily holding up these negotiations, and in view of the very large amount of public money involved will he see whether these roads cannot be made available to the public?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn two of the cases negotiations have only just been begun because the county council concerned has only just decided to do that section of the circular road.
§ Sir HERBERT NIELDIn the case of the Watford by-pass a large arm of that road, on which many thousands have been spent, is held up although seven weeks have elapsed since the agreement was sent to the railway company concerned?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf my hon. Friend will communicate the facts to me further I will look into the matter.