§ 3. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Transport what further consideration has been given to the widening of Mount-blow Road, and to the reconstruction of the road bridge, in the Burgh of Clydebank, in view of the fact that increasing motor traffic over this bridge is becoming an increasing danger to users.
Mr. BraithwaiteThis proposal has recently been reconsidered, but my right hon. Friend regrets that it is not at present possible to allow it to proceed.
§ Mr. BenceIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is grave concern about this on the extreme west of Clydebank; that there is only one road which passes over a very narrow humpbacked bridge, which is being increasingly used by light motor traffic; that the estate population of over 3,000 have to use this narrow bridge, which is becoming a grave source of danger; and that in view of the reply sent to me the local authority in Clydebank are very disturbed by the fact that the Minister does not seem willing to grant permission to widen and to strengthen this bridge until such time as a large enough number of people in his estimation have been maimed or killed before he will recognise it as a danger spot? It is a serious danger spot.
Mr. BraithwaiteThere are, unhappily, large numbers of these cases throughout the country. The short answer is that there are no funds at present available for this purpose. I should be very pleased to discuss the matter with the hon. Gentleman after Questions, if he so desires.