§ 40. Miss Wilkinsonasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the new rate in Jarrow has been fixed at 22s. in the £ and that this makes any additional expenditure on the free ferry impossible, and owing to the importance of the road for through traffic, he will make proposals by which the extra cost can be met above the 60 per cent. grant already offered?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)When the ferry was freed my right hon. Friend undertook to contribute at the rate of 60 per cent. not only towards the cost of working expenses and towards any necessary expenditure on the improvement of landing stages and boats, but also to outstanding loan charges. This rate of grant is the maximum applicable to Class I roads, that is, to through roads of first-class importance. My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to offer a higher rate.
§ Miss WilkinsonIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the situation in Jarrow is such that this ferry is likely to founder with the loss of a considerable number of lives unless more money is spent on it, and that this heavily rated area is utterly unable to spend more money on it; and may I ask why he insists upon making the same answer in view of the very great danger that exists, and whether he will look into the matter?
§ Captain HudsonI will look into the matter, but we have done our best.