HC Deb 18 October 1949 vol 468 cc22-3W
Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the need for avoiding unnecessary capital expenditure at the present juncture, he will cause an estimate to be made of the number of years for which the existing road bridge over the River Ouse at Selby, on the road from London to York, could safely continue to carry traffic without renewal but subject to normal maintenance and repairs, before finally embarking on the substantial expenditure which will be involved in building a new steel bridge at this point.

Mr. Barnes

This is a toll bridge situated on two important trunk routes and as such constitutes a serious obstruction to traffic. It cannot be made safe for the traffic which is likely to result from abolishing the tolls and a new bridge is needed as soon as resources permit. I cannot yet say when that is likely to be.