asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial assistance the Government is prepared to give to help build the Itchen Bridge, Southampton.

Studies are in progress to determine the most suitable form of a bridge to replace the chain ferry across the River Itchen. I cannot say whether the Government would be prepared to give financial assistance until these studies are complete.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total cost of the Southampton Itchen Bridge proposal put to him by the Southampton Corporation; what subsidy he is prepared to grant; and when he proposes to approve the project.

Studies are in progress to determine the most suitable form of a bridge to replace the chain ferry across the River Itchen. I cannot say whether the Government would be prepared to give financial assistance until these studies are complete.