What was Mr Jones’s response to the public about the delay in opening the new bridge?

W: Mr Jones, I’m sure you’re aware that commuters in the area are growing very concerned about the delay in opening the new bridge across the Brunton. It’s already nearly a year overdue. The ferry service has been greatly reduced and people have been greatly inconvenienced. Are you a-ble to supply a definite opening date?
M: Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to do so at this moment. What I can tell you is that a committee has been set up to investigate the delay and that this committee will report to us in due course. At this juncture, we can say that there have been a number of unexpected teething troubles , but we’re unaware of the exact nature of these. Of course, we very much regret the delay.
W: Meanwhile, Mr Jones, people have to drive miles to get to work because they cannot get across the river. It appears that the ferry company’s jumped the gun when they so drastically reduced the service across the river.
M: The ferry company’s decision was a commercial one and is in no way the responsibility of the government or, indeed, of the local authority. Far be it from me either to criticize or defend their decision, but business is business and presumably they wished to avoid substantial losses by providing too many ferry beats for the numbers using them. It’s easy to be wise after the e-vent, but their decision was made as a result of the original building forecast.
W: In view of the inconvenience caused to the public, is it possible for the government to intervene to try to persuade the ferry company to reintroduce their original service temporarily until the bridge is actually opened?
M: Not until we’ve had the report of the committee which is investigating the state of play on the building of the bridge. In the meantime, I must urge everyone to be patient. The splendid new bridge will be worth waiting for.