§ 31. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Minister of Transport how many times at peak periods in the morning and evening during the past six months the Barton swing bridge has been closed to road traffic.
§ Mr. Tom FraserIn the six months April to September this year, the bridge was closed on 98 occasions in the morning peak and 97 in the evening peak.
§ Mr. Carter-JonesIn view of his Answer, will the Minister give an assurance that he will review the arrangements for the swinging of this bridge, because thousands of people are held up going to and from work and traffic congestion extends to many towns in the area? Is he aware that this area supplies workers for the Trafford Park Estate in Manchester?
§ Mr. FraserIf my hon. Friend will let me have information to show that very serious delays are being caused, I shall most certainly be willing to have another look at the matter. My information is that the average delay to traffic caused by the opening and closing of this bridge is about five minutes and that considerable restriction is put upon the operators of the canal as to the occasions on which the bridge may be opened. But the Manchester Ship Canal is a rather important waterway in this country. and it is important that vessels should be able to use it. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would give me evidence on which I might have a further review of this matter made.