§ 10. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what arrangements have been made by his Department, the Essex County Council 1248 acting as the Highway Authority and British Railways, Eastern Region, to ensure adequate road access from Canvey Island to the mainland following the proposed electrification of the Fenchurch Street-Shoeburyness line and the expected increase in rail traffic.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)The Essex County Council and the British Transport Commission are considering these matters, and I understand that the Commission hopes to reduce the time during which the level-crossing gates are closed on each occasion so as to offset the effect of any increase in the frequency of trains after electrification.
§ Mr. BraineWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that over and over again plans for a high-level bridge at this point have been taken out of the pigeonhole, dusted and put back again because of the difficulty of finance? Is he aware that my constituents are repeatedly fobbed off with suggestions of alternative schemes which never materialise? I wonder whether he could infuse a little energy into Essex County Council and ensure early consultations on this subject?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI understand that the difficulty about the bridge is not one of finance. It is discussions with P.L.A. about headroom to be provided over the creek. If there is anything which my Ministry can do, we will certainly do it.