HC Deb 02 December 1946 vol 431 cc17-9
69. Mr. Proctor

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider plans for the erection of a modern road bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal at the Barton end of Eccles.

Mr. Barnes

I understand that the report of the Manchester District Regional Planning Committee recommends a high level bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal to the west of Eccles. I should be prepared to consider any proposal for such a bridge put forward by the appropriate highway authority.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In view of the urgency of this matter, will my right hon. Friend consider expediting the preparations for the construction of this bridge?

Mr. Barnes

I must await some guidance from the Lancashire County Council.

70 and 71. Mr. Proctor

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what representa- tions he has received from Mr. Cheesbrough, 19, Princes Avenue, Irlam, regarding the inconvenience to thousands of workers in the Trafford Park area caused by the closing of the Barton swing bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal to road traffic during rush hours; and if he will make a statement;

(2) If he will consult the Manchester Ship Canal Company with a view to arranging that the Barton swing bridge shall not be closed to road traffic between the hours of 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. daily, and 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Mr. Barnes

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the answers in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Has my right hon. Friend considered the serious effects upon production, and is he aware that thousands of man hours are wasted each week owing to this very serious state of affairs? Will he undertake to treat this as an urgent matter in view of the many appeals which are made for increased production?

Mr. Barnes

Yes, Sir. I clearly understand the difficulties of this problem and the matter is being thoroughly investigated.

Following is the answer:

On 29th November I received a letter dated 19th November signed by Mr. Cheesbrough and 15 others, making representations about the delay to workers in the Trafford Park area at peak hours through the closing of the Barton Swing Bridge to road traffic. The standing instructions to the Harbour Master are that during the periods 7 a.m. to 7.20 a.m., 8 a.m. to 8.15 a.m., and 5.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on week-days; and 7 a.m. to 7.20 a.m., 8 a.m. to 8.15 a.m., and 12.15 p.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturdays, the closing of the bridge to road traffic to permit the passage of small outward bound vessels is to be avoided as far as possible.

A census taken two years ago showed that on weekdays the bridge was on the average closed to road traffic for about 14 minutes between 6.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. and about 13 minutes between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m., and on Saturdays for about 22 minutes between 11.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. I propose to consider with the Manchester Ship Canal Company whether it would be practicable and desirable to adjust the times of opening of the bridge to road traffic.