§ 146. Mr. J. Fosterasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that 150 Germanprisoners were being transported daily byroad during February from Eastham, Cheshire, to Hale Bank Buildings Estate, Widnes, via the Widnes Transporter Bridge, making a return distance of about44 miles, when the most direct route viathe. Mersey tunnel is about 30 miles; and whether he will state the reason for the longer route being used and give instructions that the shorter route shall be used, as lorries carrying food over the Widnesbridge were being delayed up to three-quarters of an hour, thus increasing costs and diminishing transport capacity in theRuncorn and Widnes area.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe number of German prisoners moved daily from East-ham to Widnes was about 95. It is reckoned that the distance by road via the Widnes Transporter Bridge is about a mile less than via the Mersey tunnel but in any event the route via the Transporter Bridge is quicker and cheaper. There is a 10 minutes service in operation at the bridge during busy times and the four vehicles used for the prisoners can all be taken at the same time, so that there should be no appreciable delay caused to other traffic.