HC Deb 22 June 1955 vol 542 c1298
38. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will now make a statement with regard to the progress which is being made in the negotiations between his Department and the Transport Commission for the purpose of reaching a settlement concerning the responsibility for the maintenance of road bridges over railways.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes, Sir. I recently sent to the seven associations representing the local authorities concerned some firm proposals made by the British Transport Commission after consultation with my Department. They are now considering them.

Sir L. Ropner

Does my right hon. Friend recall that these negotiations have now been going on for more than two years? Will he give me an assurance that energetic action will be taken to bring the negotiations to a termination?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Naturally, I should like to see them speedily concluded, but my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that where it is a case of negotiation with seven local authority associations, over which I have no control, I can give no guarantee that the negotiations will be concluded at a particular date, but I should like to see them concluded as quickly as possible.