§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated number of level crossings in Great Britain and in what number of cases do modern traffic conditions require their replacement by bridges?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThere is no record of the number of level crossings in Great Britain; but in my reply to a question from the hon. Member for the Anglesey Division (Sir R. Thomas) on 28th February last, I stated that there are about 250 level crossings of more than ordinary importance. In several cases negotiations by local authorities are in progress for the erection of bridges with assistance from the Road Fund—a policy which I steadily encourage.
§ Major CARVERasked the Minister of Transport the amount of the Government grants towards the elimination of level crossings in 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, and 1928; the total expenditure on such work in each of the years in question; and the number of level crossings thereby eliminated?
§ Colonel ASHLEYSince 1923–24, 16 schemes involving the elimination of 20 level crossings have been approved for grant from the Road Fund. As in many cases the grant is made in respect of a comprehensive scheme, embodying widenings or other improvements in addition, 2087W the amount applicable specifically to the elimination of these level crossings is not recorded. I cannot, therefore, state the total expenditure incurred by the various local authorities concerned on works of this nature.