§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Transport what will be the total cost 527W of the new free bridge at Loftsome; what proportion of this sum has been, or will be, provided by the Ministry of Transport; whether, before providing any sum towards the construction of this bridge, he will consider the alternative scheme of assisting to free the Loftsome toll-bridge, which is adjoining; and whether the public needs require two bridges in the same immediate area?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe estimated cost of the new free bridge at Loftsome with the necessary approaches is £38,037, of which 85 per cent. will be borne by the Road Fund. The existing bridge, if purchased, would require entire reconstruction, and it is considered preferable to construct the new bridge on a site where an improvement in the alignment of the approaches can be effected.