§ 2 and 3. Mr. Worsleyasked the Minister of Transport (1) if he will replace the level crossing at Steeton, near Keighley, with a bridge;
§ (2) what estimate he has made of the saving resulting to British Railways were Steeton level crossing to be replaced by a bridge.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThis level crossing is on a classified road for which the West Riding County Council is the highway authority. It has not as yet asked us to consider a scheme for its replacement. Should it do so, we will take into account any savings likely to be made by the railways.
§ Mr. WorsleyWill my hon. and gallant Friend agree that the importance of replacing this level crossing is very great to the people of Silsden, that it is the only access between that town and the rest of the industrial West Riding and that the delays caused by it are exceedingly 370 frequent? Will he make representations to the West Riding County Council to see whether it will move in this matter?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWe appreciate that a detour of no less than four miles is involved in order to avoid the level crossing, and we realise that there are frequent delays to those who have to use it, but I assure my hon. Friend that if a scheme is put to my right hon. Friend he will certainly consider all the relevant factors, financial and otherwise. With regard to making representations to the council, I believe that my hon. Friend's Question will have drawn its attention to this matter.