§ 26. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make a further statement as to the question of the new Charing Cross bridge; whether in such connection regard will be paid by him to the convenience of the travelling public throughout South-East London and West Kent; and whether consideration will be given to the practicability of the construction of a three-arched combined road and rail bridge and the saving oil cost thereby effected?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI understand that the London County Council have not yet come to a decision on the report of the Advisory Committee appointed by them to consider the various schemes for a bridge at Charing Cross, and until I am in possession of their views I am not in a position to make any statement in the matter. As the right hon. Member is aware, a combined road and rail bridge was one of the schemes considered by the Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIn view of the great urgency and necessity for this bridge, and also the necessity for providing work, cannot the Minister put some pressure on the various authorities who are discussing the matter in order to get it pressed forward?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe hon. Member must face facts. The bridges authority for the County of London is the London County Council, not me. I am very sorry that this business has been hanging about for so many years, but the fault is not mine.
§ Sir K. WOODIs it not the case that very important questions arise and that a large expenditure of money is involved?
§ Mr. MORRISONI quite agree.