§ 96. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the long period during which the bridge has been closed 284W to traffic, he will give an assurance that steps will be taken to start the work of reconstruction on the Park Street bridge at Selby; and will he ensure that every effort is made to complete the work as soon as possible to enable the bridge to be reopened.
§ Mr. BarnesI regret that I cannot authorise the reconstruction of this bridge at present owing to the need to curtail capital investment.
§ 97. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Transport whether negotiations for the purchase of the toll rights of Selby Toll Bridge have yet been concluded; and, whether the Government's present policy of reduction in capital expenditure will still further delay the proposal to free the bridge.
§ Mr. BarnesIt would be unsafe to free the bridge until it has been reconstructed and that is not possible in present circumstances. Negotiations for the purchase of the toll rights are, consequently, being suspended for the present.