Progressive Labour Party MP to ponder the future of a East End bridge.

Leon (Jimmy) Williams questioned the effect the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's departure within the next ten months will have on Longbird Bridge in St. George's.

Mr. Williams asked in the House of Assembly on Friday what would become of the American's commitment for the bridge and if Bermuda would be left with an "astronomical'' bill for the bridge.

"Are we going to go through the same thing we went through with the Bases,'' he asked.

The St. Geprge's North MP also questioned if Government had the "backbone'' to deal with NASA so that their departure will not end up costing Bermudians.

UBP backbencher John Barritt reminded Mr. Williams that the land in question went to the US under certain conditions which were drawn up years ago.

And Mr. Barritt said that "backbone'' was demonstrated when good governments honour their agreements.

Government Whip Rick Spurling pointed out that the 90-year US Base lease was negotiated in the 1940s.

In the agreement the United Kingdom received 40 destroyers from the US in exchange for the land, Mr. Spurling claimed.

Finance Minister Grant Gibbons noted that various countries experienced difficulties when US bases pulled out of their nations.

Dr. Gibbons said Canada had experienced problems with bases departures and has had less success than Bermuda in correcting their problems.

He recommended forging good relationships with Navy officials, the US Senate and House.