Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Transport how far, before recommending an alteration in the weight restriction of the Hay-on-Wye-Clyro bridge, he considered the effect of this alteration on omnibuses carrying passengers, on farmers and others taking stock and produce to the Hay-on-Wye market and railway station and the conveyance of fertilisers, feedingstuffs and other agricultural requirements from the town to farms, and on the national fire service,' which deals with emergencies in the Clyro and Paiscastle districts.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe proposed alteration is based on the strength of the bridge. The factors to which the hon. Member refers have not been overlooked.
Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Transport what further representations he has received about the Hay-on-Wye-Clyro bridge; what was the outcome of the recent visit of the Parliamentary Secretary to inspect the bridge; and whether he can report any progress as to the construction of a new bridge.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAfter the visit by the Parliamentary Secretary the proposed restrictions were reframed so as to operate less onerously. Representations were subsequently received from the Breconshire County Council in favour of building a new bridge. Consideration is now being given to the appointment of a consulting engineer to prepare a scheme for a new bridge to be built when funds are available. Meanwhile minor repairs are to218W be done to the superstructure and a turning circle is to be formed on the Radnor side for vehicles unable to use the bridge.