§ CAPTAIN VERNEY (Bucks, N.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Menai Bridge tolls are now let by 254 public auction; if not, when was the letting by public auction discontinued, and why; and, what steps are now taken to secure the highest bidder?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER) (Wolverhampton, E.)The tolls of the Menai Bridge have not been let by auction since 1872, owing to the disturbance which took place at the last auction on April 8, 1873, and to reports as to the character and pecuniary position of the persons who attended the auction. The tolls were, therefore, in 1873, let to the present tenant, Mr. Greenwood, for a term of three years. In 1877 it was again decided, for similar reasons, not to submit the tolls to public auction; but tenders were invited from six well-known lessees of tolls. Mr. Greenwood's tender was the highest; he was again accepted as tenant, since which date it has been deemed desirable from time to time to continue his tenancy for periods of three years up to June 1, 1888.