§ 75. Mr. RICHARD EVANSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and danger caused by the postponement of the scheme to build a new bridge over the Towy at Carmarthen; and whether, in view of the inadequacy of the temporary structure, he will take such steps as will enable the county authority to proceed with this work forthwith?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Pybus)I am aware that the temporary bridge constructed last May with assistance from the Road Fund inflicts some inconvenience on traffic owing to its restricted dimensions, but I am informed that it is capable of safely carrying any normal type of vehicle. Much as I regret that it should not be possible to provide a new permanent bridge without delay, I fear that in the present state of public finances. I cannot encourage the highway authorities to incur the heavy expense-which that course would involve.
§ Mr. EVANSIs the Minister of Transport aware that the county council was prevented from building a wide double-track bridge as a temporary structure on the insistence of his Department that a permanent bridge would be erected forthwith?
§ Mr. PYBUSWhen the bridge was damaged by floods, a, temporary bridge was constructed, and nay Department contributed their share of the £3,000 entailed for the erection of that temporary structure. A new permanent bridge would cost nearly £35,000, and I cannot encourage the highway authority to indulge in that expenditure at the present moment.