§ 41. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to introduce legislation or to make the necessary grants to carry out the proposals of the Royal Commission on Transport with regard to the reconstruction of weak bridges at the rate of not less than 1,000 bridges a year?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 2nd February to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Walker), of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. MANDERCan my right hon. Friend say when this work is likely to be actually started?
§ Mr. MORRISONA great deal of this work is already being done.
§ Sir W. BRASSHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the traffic congestion that would be caused by these bridges being constructed at the same time?
§ Mr. MORRISONThat is a practical point, which I agree should be kept in mind in this matter.
§ Mr. L. SMITHDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that any money which his Department has available would be more wisely spent on new projects like the Humber Bridge?
§ 48. Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Transport how many schemes of bridge-widening or replacement have been submitted and how many approved in the county of Kent since May, 1929; and whether any level crossings are included in these figures?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONSince May, 1929, my Department has received six applications for grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of schemes for the widening and replacement of bridges in Kent. One scheme has been approved and the remaining schemes are under consideration. No proposals affecting level crossings have been submitted since that date.