§ Captain DUGDALEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the considerable inconvenience which is being caused to the inhabitants of Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, and the surrounding district by reason of the failure to re-erect the swing bridge over the Rives Tees which collapsed in March last; and whether he will take such steps as will expedite its replacement as soon as is practicable?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONMy Department was informed in April last of the collapse of the suspension bridge over the River Tees at Cotherstone. The bridge is a foot-bridge maintainable by the Barnard Castle and the Startforth Rural District Councils. As the bridge is used by foot passengers only, a contribution from the Road Fund could not be made towards the cost of its reconstruction, and I am not therefore in a position to take any action in the matter.