§ 15. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated total capital value of the remaining toll roads and bridges in Great Britain; and whether he will consider taking steps to raise a loan for their purchase and ultimate freeing, the said loan to be liquidated by the revenue of the tolls purchased over a limited number of years?
Mr. STANLEYNo information is available on the point raised in the first part of the question. Apart from any other consideration, I have no power to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion. The provisions under which local authorities are empowered to take over privately owned toll roads and bridges are contained in Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act.