HC Deb 24 July 1950 vol 478 cc22-3
65. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now reached an agreement with the Railway Executive in order that the work of reconstructing the Park Street Bridge at Selby may be begun.

Mr. Barnes

I hope that the formal agreement with the Railway Executive for reconstructing the bridge will be completed in a few days' time.

Colonel Ropner

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that I first drew his attention to this matter as long ago as October, 1946? Can he say why there has been this appalling waste of time in dealing with the matter and, further, why the people of Selby should suffer this inconvenience in addition to that of the toll bridge?

Mr. Barnes

There has not been an appalling waste of time. This is a very difficult and complex problem, and negotiations have to take place. There are many other schemes, equally vital, which are being postponed altogether throughout the country.