§ 19. Sir W. Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to give an amended figure for the estimated cost of strengthening the bridge over the Tweed at Coldstream to enable it to carry the extra heavy loads directed over it.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, whose engineers are investigating this problem, informs me that a complete report on it is not yet available.
§ Sir W. Anstruther-GrayMay I ask my hon. Friend if he will bear in mind, when having a report made, that it is not only the bridge itself which will have to carry heavy loads of 200 tons and more, but also the roads; that these have to be paid for partly by the authority, and that such heavy loads do a great deal of damage also in the Burgh of Coldstream?
§ Mr. MacphersonAs my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the question of damage in the Burgh of Coldstream has already arisen and is under consideration. On the general question, a classified road is the responsibility of the road authority. Where a classified road forms part of an established abnormal-load route, the Government are prepared to pay the whole cost of any works specifically required because of the use of the road by the abnormal loads.