HC Deb 14 June 1961 vol 642 c419
35. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Transport whether the construction of the St. Neots Bridge will be included in the 1961–62 programme.

Mr. Hay

No, Sir. Preparation of the scheme is continuing. We hope shortly to make the necessary Order, but I am not yet able to give a starting date.

Mr. Hastings

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is now four years since this bridge started to fall into the river, that the situation locally is causing great inconvenience to the people of St. Neots: and that the delay in crossing the bridge at peak hours in summer may be as much as half an hour or more? Will he see that a date is fixed as soon as possible for this work to go forward?

Mr. Hay

We know that there are certain difficulties about this bridge, though I doubt whether they are as serious as my hon. Friend made out. We will certainly give it the highest priority we can compatible with the claims of other equally important trunk road projects in other parts of the country.

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