HC Deb 11 May 1938 vol 335 cc1585-6
66. Mr. Hopkin

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now give the total all-in cost of building the Carmarthen Bridge; how much land was taken and for what sum of money; the amount of compensation paid and to whom, and why such payment was made;

and the amount of money contributed by the Great Western Railway Company, if any?

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Burgin)

Final figures of the actual cost are not yet available, but the latest estimate is £97,000, excluding the cost of land and compensation. 3.6 acres of land were taken, but no compensation has yet been paid. Compensation in respect of 1.3 acres has been agreed at £4,882. The compensation payable for the remainder of the land may have to be settled by arbitration. The agreement with the railway company provided for the payment to them of £25 for the grant of the necessary perpetual easement for the bridge and £500 in respect of general expenses, including disturbances of traffic incurred by the company during the construction of the bridge; and the payment by the company of £800 in respect of the saving resulting from the elimination of the level crossing and £100 for the relief from liability to maintain a portion of the station approach road.

Mr. Hopkin

Is any compensation being paid to anyone other than landowners?

Mr. Burgin

I do not think so.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In view of the anxiety that has been expressed in certain quarters of the House at the growing burden on public authorities, will the Minister make inquiry into the burdens which are being placed on local authorities, as, for example, this burden of £4,000 in a place like Carmarthen, which is remote from any industrial centre?

Mr. Burgin

We are discussing here the provision of a much required bridge which has been universally admired.

Mr. Griffiths

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that, in a place like Carmarthen, which is a small agricultural town remote from industrial centres, a price of £4,000 for an acre of land is a fair price? Is it not putting a terrible burden on the local authority?