§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to prevent damage to Thames bridges by river traffic.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 7 November 1988]: The Port of London Authority is responsible for controlling river traffic and making byelaws below Teddington lock. Bridge designs take account of the risks and consequences of possible collisions. It has not been the practice of Thames bridge authorities to provide external protection which would reduce the navigational channel.