HC Deb 13 November 1956 vol 560 cc726-7
9. Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide an additional temporary footbridge during the reconstruction of the Bridge of Don.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have arranged that both the existing footpaths on the bridge will be available for most of the remaining period of the work.

Mr. Spence

Would my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the additional footpath will be made available reasonably soon? Is he aware that the existing footpath is only 2 ft. 6 in. wide, and that the channel for all traffic is only 18 ft. wide, and that, as a result, there is considerable risk of accidents at the present time?

Mr. Stuart

It will now be possible to make both these footpaths immediately available, but during the latter period of the work, when the eastern half will be closed, it will be possible to widen the western one.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Secretary of State aware of the many complaints about the dangerous condition of this bridge in the absence of the provision of the footbridge? Will he say when the work will begin, and how much it will cost in time and labour?

Mr. Stuart

I am afraid that I do not know, offhand, how long it will take, but the work began last May.