Charing Cross Bridge Scheme Muddle
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FOLLOWING an announcement by the Minister of Transport in the House of Commons, on the subject of a road bridge at Charing Cross, the Ministry of Transport announces that some misapprehension appears to have arisen out of the statement in the House on _June 9, when the Minister said that such a scheme would rank for the most favourable treatment. The Ministry stresses that, when the London County Council promoted a Bill in 1930 for the construction of the new bridge, the then Minister of Transport offered a grant
from the Road Fund, provided that the scheme received Parliamentary approval.
In reply .to a letter from the Council last February, it was indicated that financial assistance would be available if the project were proceeded with, but it was suggested that the scheme would have to be held in abeyance for reasons which have lead to the suspension of certain other bridge schemes.
The statement adds that no detailed scheme for the bridge at Charing Cross has yet been submitted to the Minister, in addition, Parliamentary powers would be required.
Following the tpublication of this statement Mr. Herbert Morrison, M.P., leader of the County Council, said that the Government has not made clear that it believes in the Charing Cross
bridge scheme. It appears to have made no estimate as to the cost of this work, although it casts doubt on the estimate prepared by the Council.
Mr. Morrison suggests that the Ministry of Transport should be well informed and ready to express a view on a matter of such importance, and he suggests that, in the light of the report of the Traffic Advisory Committee and the further report of the Council's own committees, the Government should give up evasions and take a more practical view of the matter._