HC Deb 30 May 1935 vol 302 cc1307-8
64. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is still the policy of his Department to give grants of 75 per cent. towards the cost of freeing perpetual tolls on bridges; and whether he will support the freeing of Bubwith toll bridge, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, on these terms?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The amount of grant in this case depends upon whether proposals for the freeing of the bridge from tolls are accompanied by proposals for the reconstruction of the bridge. The regular rates of grant towards approved expenditure on the freeing of roads and bridges from tolls are set out in my letter to local authorities of the 5th February, 1935, namely, 60 per cent. in the case of Class I roads and 50 per cent. in other cases. Towards approved proposals for the reconstruction of weak bridges, I am prepared to offer grants of 75 per cent.

Major CARVER

Is the Minister of Transport aware that on the 10th April he gave the House information that he was prepared to give 75 per cent. towards the cost of freeing perpetual tolls, and that on that the local authority were induced to buy this bridge?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The terms are set out in the letter to which I have referred, and again in the reply to this question. If there has been any misapprehension, I take this opportunity of correcting it.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

May I ask whether the 75 per cent. grant applies to all weak bridges which are to be reconstructed?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

All approved.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the constitution of the authority which happens to make the application have any effect on the decision?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The highway authority has to make the application.

Major CARVER

Are we to understand that the policy as stated on the 10th April is not now to be carried out?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have given a full answer. It depends on whether at the same time as the tolls are freed there is to be reconstruction. I have set out the provision in full, and I hope it will make the matter clear.

Mr. PALING

Has any proposal been made to alter this bridge?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am awaiting proposals now.