HC Deb 10 November 1952 vol 507 cc594-5
60. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that repairs are necessary to many road bridges over railways owned by the British Transport Commission; and if he will, in the exercise of his powers under Section 4 of the Transport Act, 1947, give directions of a general character to the British Transport Commission that the necessary repairs shall be carried out in all such cases.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)

I understand that there are some bridges which require repair and that the work is being done as quickly as possible. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I will look into it. No question of a direction under the Transport Act arises.

Mr. Peyton

Is my hon. Friend aware of the dangerous state of the Common Arch Bridge, at Chard Junction? Further, is he aware that notices limiting the use of that bridge to vehicles of two tons or less are constantly disregarded and that this is a source of possible danger and serious inconvenience to all those who live in a wide area round about this district?

Mr. Braithwaite

That sounds like one of the particular cases which I have asked my hon. Friend to tell me about.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Will the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what success has followed his efforts to get all the associations concerned to try to come to some agreement on a united policy on this question, which is causing a good deal of public disquiet?

Mr. Braithwaite

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question on the Paper.