§ Mr. H. Morrison(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the need for relieving the congestion in the streets of London by major schemes of highway improvement, whether he proposes to consult thereon with the London County Council as the improvement authority and whether he is now prepared to review the decision to make no contribution to the cost of demolishing the old Waterloo Bridge and replacing it by a new structure?
§ Mr. BurginYes, Sir. The Government, who have continually under review 1976 the present and prospective traffic requirements of London, have satisfied themselves that a number of important improvements in the highway facilities are necessary, including, of course, cross river facilities on the site of old Waterloo Bridge. The London County Council is the improvement authority in London, and the Government would hope to have its cordial co-operation in the provision of these facilities. No contribution can be made by the Government towards the cost of demolishing the old Waterloo Bridge, but they recognise that the provision of a new bridge is now a necessary feature of the improvements they have in mind, and they accordingly propose to approve a contribution from the Road Fund amounting to 60 per cent. of the cost of building the new bridge.
§ Mr. MorrisonIn the special circumstances I shall be grateful, Mr. Speaker, if you and the House will permit me to say that the County Council will, I am sure, greatly appreciate the decision of the Government, as announced by the right hon. Gentleman, to make a 60 per cent. grant towards the cost of the new Waterloo Bridge. This decision, by removing a long-standing cause of disagreement, will introduce a new and happier spirit of kindly co-operation.