HC Deb 27 March 1968 vol 761 cc1526-7
23. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the negotiations between the Bideford Bridge Trustees and her Department on the transfer of Bideford Bridge to her control.

Mr. Carmichael

As we have already announced, negotiations with the trustees have been successfully concluded. The trustees have relinquished all their interests in the bridge and we have assumed full and sole responsibility and control.

Statutory processes have still to be followed before the terms of transfer of these functions are confirmed. Then we intend to assume title in the bridge.

Mr. Mills

While welcoming this decision—and I am sure it is the right one—now that the Ministry of Transport will have control of this bridge, will it look into the possibility of raising the weight limits so that heavier lorries may use the repaired bridge?

Mr. Carmichael

This is being looked into, and it is hoped that the weight limit, which is restricted just now, will be increased to allow traffic as it was before the damage to the bridge was caused.

24. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the need for a new bridge at Bideford, what progress has been made in the review of priorities for this area.

Mr. Carmichael

Priorities were reviewed when communications across the river were severed. Repairing the existing bridge offered a quick and effective means of restoring traffic flow: advancing the priority of a new bridge did not. We shall continue to keep the matter under review.

Mr. Mills

Yes, but surely the Minister would agree that the ultimate solution in this area is a new bridge to deal with local traffic and the whole of the difficult problem of traffic in North Devon. Will he advance the plans as quickly as possible?

Mr. Carmichael

If there had been restrictions on the bridge there would have been need for the advancing of the priority, but without any restrictions on the existing bridge it is not felt that advanced priority for a new bridge in this area would necessarily be beneficial for the special roads in the South-West, or fair to the rest of the country.