§ Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for War why the Royal Engineers are to build a temporary bridge across the River Ouse at York in the course of the next few weeks; what expenditure will be involved; and by whom it will be borne.
§ Mr. ProfumoIt is part of the normal annual training programme of the Royal Engineers to construct a bridge across a river. The training value is far greater if the exercise can be of some real value. That is why the Royal Engineers have previously constructed temporary bridges over the River Ouse at points where they will be of use to the public. The cost in this case will be about £120. This is no greater than usual and the cost will as usual be borne on the Army Vote. The proposed site is only four miles from the bridging stores depôt and it would cost as much to erect one in any other suitable site.