§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a few years ago notices were displayed upon Westminster Bridge prohibiting the passage of vehicles exceeding 7½ tons in weight, and that even now steam traction engines are prohibited from using Westminster Bridge; that the 7½-ton restriction was modified to 15 tons; that the two-decker tramcars employed by the London County Council, when loaded, amounts to approximately 30 tons dead weight, and that at rush hours as many as 14 of these tramcars are to be counted upon the bridge at the same time; and whether he has received any report as to the present condition of the bridge?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI understand that the information supplied in the hon. and gallant Member's question is substantially correct, except that the weight of a loaded tramcar seems to be overstated. The London County Council are responsible for the maintenance of Westminster Bridge, and their expert advisers keep careful observation on the structure. I have received no formal report as to the present condition of the bridge.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Minister of Transport whether he can give an assurance to the House that the engineering experts of his Department are entirely satisfied that Westminster Bridge can carry the largely-increased loads to which it is now subjected, due partly to the diversion of traffic from Waterloo Bridge and partly to the two-decker County Council tramcars?
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§ Mr. NESBITTasked the Minister of Transport whether, since the closing of Waterloo Bridge, his departmental engineers have taken any steps or made any researches as to the effect of the additional weight of traffic thrown upon Westminster Bridge; and whether the wrought-iron work supporting the cambers of the arches is yielding in any way to the pressure?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe responsibility for the maintenance of Westminster Bridge rests with the London County Council, who, I understand, keep careful observation on the structure. The Council have their own competent expert advisers with whom officers in my Department are in close touch, but I do not think it forms any part of my Department's functions to conduct the detailed investigations indicated in the questions.
§ Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport whether the Ministry themselves intend to hold an inquiry into the question of the Thames bridges; and whether an additional bridge is needed and where it should be placed?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI understand that the London County Council is studying this problem, and will probably call into consultation other Metropolitan authorities. Any assistance which my Department can give in these deliberations is freely at the disposal of the responsible authorities, should they so desire.