HC Deb 16 June 1965 vol 714 cc68-9W
60. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are taken to carry out regular anti-corrosion inspection of metal bridges carrying trunk roads or crossing them; and, following the recent accidents at Clapham Junction, what steps he proposes to take to increase these inspections.

Mr. Tom Fraser

Bridges for whose maintenance the British Railways Board are responsible receive regular inspections in accordance with the Board's standard code of practice. Other bridges carrying or crossing trunk roads are inspected and maintained by agent authorities on my behalf or on behalf of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales.

The recent failure of a signal box gantry at Clapham Junction is the subject of a formal Inquiry by my Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways. Until I have had an opportunity of considering his report I cannot say what implications it may have for trunk road bridges.