§ 69. Mr. EDEasked the Minister of Transport at how many points the River Tyne is crossed by a bridge at points on its tidal reaches; how far from the mouth of the river the nearest bridge is; and 1404 what is the distance between the bridges on the tidal reaches nearest to and furthest from the mouth?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThere are six road bridges from and including Newborn Bridge to the mouth of the river. The nearest bridge to the mouth of the river is the new Tyne bridge at Newcastle, which is about 10¼ miles from the mouth. The distance between the new Tyne bridge and Newborn bridge, which is the farthest from the mouth, is about 6½ miles.
§ 70. Mr. EDEasked the Minister of Transport if he has yet reached a decision on the application of the county boroughs of South Shields and Tynemouth for the appointment of an engineer to consider the problems involved in a crossing of the River Tyne between the two boroughs; and, if not, when he is likely to reach a decision?
74. Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the Minister of Transport if, seeing that when he met representatives of the county boroughs of Tynemouth and South Shields with regard to a new bridge or tunnel across the Tyne, he agreed to appoint an engineer to investigate the matter, provided the local authorities made the necessary application, he will state whether he has received this application; if so, has he appointed an engineer; and will he state the name?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Russell) on the 11th December.
§ Mr. EDEIs the hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether he will be able to make an announcement before Christmas?
§ Mr. MORRISONIt is possible, but I should hesitate to give a definite assurance on the point.