Lieut.-Colonel TOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that children are compelled to travel to school in Rothbury in a hired omnibus of over five tons unloaded over two bridges between Netherton and Harbottle scheduled to carry only three tons; and will he take immediate steps to protect the children from such a risk?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMMy Noble Friend's attention had not previously been called to this matter, but it appears from inquiries which have been made that the facts are as stated in the question. My Noble Friend is also informed that a licensed public omnibus service of similar vehicles is permitted to run regularly over the same bridges. The local education authority are responsible for the safety of the children, and my Noble Friend proposes to draw their attention to this matter.