§ 42. Major OWENasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large yearly profits accruing to the Ministry of Transport from the Menai Bridge Tolls, he will consider an immediate reduction in the contract rates and in the daily tolls chargeable to pedestrian, animal and vehicular traffic using this bridge; and whether he will state when it is proposed to start on the construction of a new bridge to connect Anglesey with the mainland?
Mr. STANLEYTolls for pedestrians using the Menai Bridge were abolished last year. I have recently received requests from local authorities in the district for abolition or reduction of the tolls for animals and vehicles using the bridge, and have them under consideration. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member recently, the profits from the tolls are being placed to a reserve against the liability of substantial renewals or reconstruction of this special structure at some future date, but I do not contemplate the 1130 construction of a new bridge across the Menai Straits.
§ Major OWENIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the tolls on this bridge constitute an extra tax on the people using the bridge, that it is not uncommon to pay a contract price of £7 16s. a year for running a car daily over the bridge; and is the hon. Gentleman also aware that the bridge is the only means of communication between that island and the mainland?
Mr. STANLEYI do not quite follow the question of the hon. and gallant Member. I have had certain applications for a reduction, and I am considering them.
§ Major OWENWill he consider those applications sympathetically, so that some relief may be given to the people using this bridge?
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSShould not people be taxed if they go to a place like Anglesey?