§ 23. Mr. T. SMITH (for Mr. THORNE)asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a 17-years-old farmer's son has purchased the toll rights of Boroughbridge, Somerset, for £1,430; in what manner the auction was conducted; what are the toll charges for pedestrians, cars, cycles, etc.; and whether he has any intention of making an inquiry with a view to abolishing this toll?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am aware that the toll rights for the year 1935–36 for the bridge on the Taunton-Glastonbury Road, Somerset, were purchased at a recent public auction, the accepted bid being the highest obtained during three consecutive operations of a sand glass. The tolls vary from ¼d. per head for cattle to 1s. 6d. for locomotives of 11 tons or more, cars and motor cycles under two tons pay 3d. and those over two tons, 6d. No charge is made for pedestrians. The bridge is owned by the Boroughbridge Commissioners and no proposal for abolishing the tolls has been submitted to me; but I am prepared to 338 consider an application to that effect from the responsible highway authority.