§ 57. Mr. TAYLORasked the Minister of Transport if he will appoint a Select. Committee to consider the freeing of all toll-bridges in Great Britain?
§ Colonel ASHLEYHaving regard to the powers already vested in my Depart-merit and local authorities, I consider the appointment of a Select Committee unnecessary.
§ Mr. TAYLORDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would be much better to tackle the whole problem of these tolls throughout the country instead of doing it in individual eases as at present?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir, I think the present arrangement is the best, and that local authorities, who know the local needs and circumstances, should put forward schemes.
§ Mr. PALINGHas not the right hon. Gentleman admitted over and over again that local authorities are doing little or nothing in this matter, and is it not likely to be another generation before anything is done?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am sorry to hear that hon. Members opposite have no faith in local authorities.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThis is a national, not a local question.
§ 58. Mr. TAYLORasked the. Minister of Transport if he has approved, during the lifetime of the present Parliament, any proposals for the freeing of toll-bridges and, if so, whether he can state the purchase price paid in each case and the principles anon which purchase price. were settled?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have not approved any proposals for the freeing of toll-bridges during the lifetime of the present Parliament, but certain proposals are before me at the present time.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAfter his confession that nothing is being done, will not the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that something is done?
§ Mr. TAYLORWill the Minister of Transport consider the possibility of taking compulsory powers in order to insure that reasonable charges are made by these private companies?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir.