§ Mr. H. Whiteasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why he did not hold a public inquiry before confirming the order that prohibited vehicular traffic using the bridge over the River Rother at the county boundary, Bedgreave Mill, Beighton, Derbyshire, in view of the known opposition of the Beighton Parish Council; whether he will exercise his powers, under Section 46 (3) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to revoke 58W the order; and whether he will give an assurance that a new order will not be confirmed unless a public inquiry is held and an opportunity given for the bridge concerned in the order to be suitably repaired.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThis bridge is in a very dangerous condition, but no one will at present accept responsibility for its repair. Under the circumstances I felt bound in the interests of public safety to confirm an order made jointly by the West Riding and Derbyshire County Councils, closing the bridge to vehicular traffic. When this order was advertised certain persons affected objected, but not the parish council. I am under no obligation to hold a public inquiry, but the objections made were carefully considered before I came to a decision. I have much sympathy with the objectors, and if they can arrange for the bridge to be made safe I will consider whether the order should be revoked or modified.