FOURTH RAIL BRIDGE

Early day motion 810, tabled 4 March 2003 by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes that 5th March 2003 marks the 113th birthday of the Fourth Rail Bridge; pays tribute to Benjamin Baker and Sir John Fowler who founded the cantilever structure which the Rail Bridge adopts and to the 57 men who ultimately were to lose their lives in the construction of the Bridge; believes the Forth Rail Bridge not only acts as a critical transport link between Lothian and Fife and the North East of Scotland but stands as a national monument which is testament to Scottish architecture and engineering; disagrees with those who say there is little difference between demolishing the Bridge and an old rig; and calls on the Government to dismiss any suggestion of tearing down a structure which holds the deep affection of people in South Queensferry Scotland and the world.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Liberal Democrat 11, UUP 2, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.