HC Deb 31 January 1934 vol 285 cc343-4
28. Major OWEN

asked the Minister of Transport the annual revenue derived from the Menai Suspension Bridge tolls; and what has been the annual cost of maintenance for each year since the Ministry of Transport has taken over the bridge?

Mr. STANLEY

As the answer consists chiefly of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Major OWEN

Is there no hope of a reduction in the tolls, owing to the inconvenience caused to industrial and passenger traffic?

Mr. STANLEY

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that question down.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Can the Minister say why the constituency of the hon. and gallant Gentleman should be subject to a tariff of this kind?

Mr. STANLEY

That may be the reason.

Following is the answer:

Until 31st March, 1926, the revenue derived from the lease of the Menai Bridge tolls only slightly exceeded the disbursements. The sums realised by the direct collection of tolls after that date and the annual expenditure (including the cost of collection of tolls) were as follows:

Year. … … Receipts. Payments.
£ £
1926–27 … … 12,335 3,650
1927–28 … … 13,058 3,288
1928–29 … … 13,010 3,376
1929–30 … … 13,737 3,581
1930–31 … … 13,804 5,028
1931–32 … … 13,933 3,006
1932–33 … … 13,996 3,546

Owing to the age and character of the structure and the ultimate liability for substantial renewals or reconstruction, a reserve fund is being accumulated.