§ Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he will take to see that the trunk road crossing the River Forth is kept open during icy road conditions, particularly by taking frost precautions in good time.
§ Mr. RossBlockage of the trunk road on Kincardine Bridge on 10th November was due to an accident following sudden icing after an early inspection had found satisfactory conditions. This is a risk that cannot always be eliminated, because sand laid prematurely is liable to be brushed aside before icing takes place; and salt should not be used on metal bridges. The existing arrangements for frequent inspections of the road surface when icing is possible will be maintained and sanding will be carried out when it will be effective.
17WThe Forth Road Bridge is not a trunk road, and responsibility for its operation rests with the Joint Board; there is however the same difficulty as at Kincardine in taking effective measures in advance of the actual onset of ice.