§ 35. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Transport whether he has any figures showing the number of road bridges in England and Wales on scheduled roads, first and second class, respectively, which are closed to heavy vehicles; and what steps are proposed to strengthen these bridges sufficiently to make them capable of bearing such vehicles?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI regret that these figures are not at my disposal. While it is not for my Department to initiate schemes for strengthening bridges, I am always glad to give favourable consideration to proposals prepared to that end by the responsible highway authorities.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that large areas of the country are cut off from heavy motor traffic, with all 1712 its advantages to trade, because of weak bridges; and does he not think that it is his business to see into the matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have given considerable assistance in the past to strengthening these weak bridges, and I propose to continue to do so in future.
§ Mr. B. SMITHCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House the number of bridges, built under Royal Charter, which have been taken over and thrown upon the community without any burden being placed upon the original owners?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot do that without notice.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDHave any schemes been deposited in the Ministry of Transport for the repair of such bridges and since abandoned on account of the depredations of the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is quite an erroneous impression.