13. Mr. Brailleasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what recent proposals he has received from the Essex County Council concerning the provision of a high-level bridge linking Canvey Island with the mainland.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNone, Sir.
§ Mr. BraineIs my right hon. Friend aware that the existing ramshackle bridge is causing very great anxiety to my constituents? It is the sole link between the island and the mainland. In view of the fact that his Joint Parliamentary Secretary indicated in this House last December that the Ministry was interested in the county council hurrying on with the plans, can my right hon. Friend expedite progress in the matter?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe present position regarding a proposal to this effect is that the county council, as the highway authority, is discussing with the Port of London Authority the degree of clearance above water level which would be required if a bridge were constructed. Until that point has been cleared up. I do not imagine that the highway authority will submit a proposal to me.
§ Mr. BraineIs my right hon. Friend aware that these discussions have now been going on for a year and that is why I put down the Question, in the hope that my right hon. Friend might be able to inject a little energy into these authorities?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI really cannot deal with the matter until the responsible highway authority is in a position to put forward a specific proposal, and desires to do so.