§ 26 and 27. Major OWENasked the Minister of Transport (1) what has been the revenue received, up to 30th November last, from the Menai Suspension Bridge tolls since the reductions were made earlier this year; what was the revenue received for the corresponding period last year; and what payments were made during each period;
(2) what is the present amount of the reserve fund which has been accumulated for the purpose of renewals and for reconstruction of the Menai Suspension Bridge?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHABetween the 1st April, when the reduced tolls were introduced, and the 30th November, the revenue from tolls collected at Menai Bridge was £10,170, compared with £10,702 during the corresponding period of last year. The payments made during these periods were £1,896 this year and £1,834 last year. The fund to which the hon. and gallant Members refers now amounts to approximately £107,000.
§ Major OWENIn view of the Minister's avowed intention to free all bridges from tolls, does he not think that, with the reserve fund now available, he could free this bridge permanently from tolls?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am entirely in agreement with the general purpose enunciated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but I understand that the local authorities have consistently refused to assume responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge. When they will assume that responsibility, the day of freeing it will be nearer at hand.
§ Major OWENIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to hand over the reserve fund to the two county councils concerned, for the purposes of a new bridge?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe purpose of the fund is to reconstruct the old bridge or to build a better one in the future, and I could not touch it for an improper purpose.