§ 7. Mr. Tilneyasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the beneficial effect that a bridge from Garston to East lam across the Mersey would have on Merseyside in general and the economic viability of Speke Airport in particular, he will give greater priority to such a construction.
Mr. Bob BrownThe report of the Merseyside Land Use Transportation Study proposed a bridge across the Mersey but not as a priority and not between Garston and Eastham. It will be for the local authorities on Merseyside to initiate proposals for such a bridge.
§ Mr. TilneyIs the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that the bridge as now suggested, from Aigburth to Bebington, has blighted a large area of property on both sides of the Mersey? As traffic now flows more freely around the periphery of towns, is he aware that a bridge further out would bring in the rich catchment area of the Wirral more cheaply to Speke Airport?
Mr. BrownI am certain that the local authorities of Merseyside are appraised of the situation in relation to blight. It is clearly for them to initiate proposals regarding a bridge. Such a bridge would, in any event, probably be, as I indicated last July to the hon. Gentleman, between Bromborough and Aigburth.
§ Dr. WinstanleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many thousands of people who live immediately adjacent to Manchester Airport, Ringway, are anxious for the airport at Speke, Liverpool, to be expanded?