55. Mr. Davidsonasked the Minister of Transport whether any action is contemplated to alter, for safety purposes, the canal viaduct bridges situated, one between Lochburn Road and Sandbank Road and one at Bilsland Drive, Mary-hill, Glasgow?
§ Mr. BurginAn agreement for the lengthening of the aqueduct over Maryhill Road is under discussion between the Glasgow Corporation and the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, who own the canal. The question of a grant from the Road Fund towards the cost of the scheme will be considered when the necessary details are available. I have informed the corporation that Bilsland Drive is not of sufficient importance to through traffic to warrant a grant from the Road Fund towards the lengthening of the aqueduct over the road. The alternative route by Ruchill Street crosses over the canal and has through traffic value; and I have approved in principle for grant a scheme for widening and reconstructing the bridge on that route.
Mr. DavidsonMay I assure the right hon. Gentleman that in Lochburn Road there is only a matter of inches between the tram rails and the walls of the bridge, and that it is a very great menace to pedestrians? Will he, therefore, hasten any scheme for an alteration?
§ Mr. BurginYes, I am aware of the facts and awaiting the details of the scheme.