§ Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from various trade organisations on the condition of canal bridges in the Midlands; and, in view of the inconvenience to traders caused by the bridges not being strong enough to carry loads in excess of certain weights, whether he will intervene with the highways authorities so that they will take speedy action?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware of the inconvenience caused to road users by the weakness of numerous canal bridges in the Midlands and elsewhere. I have received representations from various deputations on the subject, and the matter is engaging my close attention. While2106W there would, obviously, be great difficulty on financial and other grounds in dealing immediately and comprehensively with all weak structures of this kind. I am always ready, in appropriate cases, to give assistance to highway authorities from the Road Fund towards the cost of bringing bridges on important roads up to a modern standard. As my hon. Friend is probably aware, negotiations are proceeding between the public bodies concerned for the promotion of legislation to facilitate the reconstruction of weak bridges on important roads and a suitable agreed measure would certainly receive my support.