§ 39. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what decision has been reached regarding the use of the Eton-Windsor bridge and when it is to be applied.
§ Mr. MolsonNotice of the Berkshire County Council's application to my right hon. Friend for confirmation of its Order restricting the use of the bridge to vehicles of not more than 12 tons in weight was advertised this month. The closing date for objections to the Order is 19th May. My right hon Friend must consider any objections received before deciding whether to confirm the Council's Order.
§ Mr. BrockwayMay I ask two questions? Was it not several months ago that the surveyors made the report that it would be dangerous to the bridge to allow the passage of lorries of great weight, and in view of the well-known character of the bridge, ought not urgent steps to be taken for its safety? Secondly, if the lorries are not to cross the bridge and have to go via Datchet and Maidenhead, is not the construction of a relief road made still more urgent?
§ Mr. MolsonThere was some delay between the inspection of the bridge and the advertising of the Order, but the last day for the receipt of objections is not until the 19th of this month. The matter will then be dealt with by my right hon. Friend very expeditiously. I entirely agree that it is desirable to provide an alternative to this dangerous bridge.