HC Deb 10 November 1954 vol 532 c1198
20. Mr. Proctor

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will set up a Departmental committee to consider the legislation covering the Manchester Ship Canal, and to recommend fresh legislation to assign definite responsibility for safety precautions, in particular as regards the safety of pedestrians crossing the bridges over the canal.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir.

Mr. Proctor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these precautions, whilst suitable when the canal was constructed, are quite unsuitable for modern traffic conditions? Is he aware that at Barton Bridge there is great danger to pedestrians, owing to the narrowness of the bridge, that the Ship Canal Company can do nothing about it and that his Department has said that, under the present law, it cannot spend one penny on it? If the right hon. Gentleman cannot call together a body of experts, will he consult me about it?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am sorry that the hon. Member should juxtapose himself with experts. I should be willing to consult both. I had a look at the bridge not long ago, and I have no reason to think that the company is not carrying out its duty satisfactorily.

Mr. Proctor

Did the right hon. Gentleman see the bridge from the canal or from the road?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

From both, Sir.