HC Deb 16 July 1929 vol 230 cc194-5
9. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in his search for useful work for the unemployed, he will consider the desirability of relieving Cookham Bridge of the toll and of reconstructing it to enable it to take heavier traffic?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I have been asked to reply and would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave him on the 9th July. With regard to the strengthening or rebuilding of weak bridges, I issued a Circular to all local authorities on the 5th July, 1929, setting forth the terms of assistance which can be given from the Road Fund in approved cases, but until some arrangements have been reached for freeing Cookham Bridge from tolls, it is premature to discuss its reconstruction.

Sir A. KNOX

Will the hon. Gentleman realise that the chief obstacle to the county council taking action in this case is the fear that they would be faced with a demand for increasing the strength of the bridge?

Mr. MORRISON

If the hon. and gallant Member will draw the attention of the county council to the Bridges Act, 1929, and the circular I have sent out, I think he will find something helpful.

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