§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how long the Clyde Bridge, Carstairs, has been closed to traffic above two tons in weight; what used to be the average number of vehicles 80W of and above this weight using the bridge formerly; and how long a detour such vehicles are compelled to make now.
§ Mr. Maclay:This bridge has been closed to vehicles weighing more than two tons since 7th October, 1955. I regret that figures of the number of such vehicles formerly using it are not available. The length of the detour which has to be made by heavy vehicles varies from two to—in exceptional cases—9½ miles, depending on their destination and the direction from which they are coming.
§ Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when he expects to be able to allocate funds for rebuilding the Clyde Bridge, Carstairs;
(2) what representations he has received from the Lanark County Council for an allocation of grant money for reconstructing the Clyde Bridge, Carstairs.
§ Mr. Maclay:I have received no application for grant for the reconstruction of this bridge. If one is made, it will be considered in the light of the competing demands for the funds available.