§ 63. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Transport what toll-bridges and toll-roads in Great Britain have been freed during the present calendar year; whether the circular recently issued by him to highway authorities pointing out the facilities available under the Road Traffic Act for the purchase and freeing of tolls is still operative; and whether he can give an assurance that so soon as more funds are available for road improvements he will ensure that an adequate proportion shall be laid aside in order to dispose of the remaning toll-bridges in the country?
Mr. STANLEYTwo toll-bridges have been freed during the present calendar year with assistance of grants from the Road Fund. The circular to which I assume my hon. and gallant Friend refers is still operative, and I shall be prepared to give as favourable consideration as funds from time to time permit to future applications for grants which may be submitted by highway authorities in respect of the acquisition of toll-roads and toll-bridges.
§ Captain MACDONALDWill the Minister take steps to implement the pledges given by his predecessors m regard to existing toll-bridges?
Mr. STANLEYI cannot go further than say that I will give consideration to this matter, in conjunction with other urgent matters submitted to the Depart-men.