§ 26. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the high charges levied upon vehicles crossing the Menai suspension bridge and having regard to the fact that the national Eisteddfod of Wales is to be held at Holy Isle this year, he will consider ordering the suspension of the bridge tolls upon vehicles during the period of the Eisteddfod, namely, for the first week in August?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think he is doing a grave injustice to Wales?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake as early as possible the abolition of all tolls on bridges?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt is my duty to maintain the Menai bridge, and unless I impose tolls, and especially when the traffic is heaviest, I shall not have any money to maintain it.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he gave me a reply the other day showing that he was making a fabulous profit on the bridge?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I never said anything of the sort. I said I was trying to build up a reserve fund, so that if and when the bridge requires rebuilding there shall be money for the rebuilding.
§ Sir R. THOMASBut does not the right hon. Gentleman regard £8,000 a year net profit a fabulous profit on one bridge?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a, matter of opinion.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman made any application to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a subsidy from the Road Fund towards the expenses of the bridge?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. and gallant Member is mistaken. This 199 bridge has nothing to do with the Road Fund. It is not maintained by the Road Fund——
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIt ought to be.
§ Colonel ASHLEY——it is maintained by tolls which are imposed on the users of the bridge.