asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the ferry across the River Severn at Highley, Shropshire, could not be used for five days during recent floods, with the result that about 90 workers at the Highley Colliery, who live on the opposite side of the Severn, were unable to get to their work except by travelling 31 miles by road; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to these men, he will give substantial financial assistance to the local authorities concerned in the construction of a bridge across the Severn in this locality?

I am not aware of the temporary stoppage of the ferry service at Highley. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to his question of 15th July last, in which I indicated that if the responsible highway authorities are prepared to put forward a suitable scheme and to make an adequate contribution towards its cost, I will consider any application they may make for assistance from the Road Fund.