§ 80. Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to take over the Mersey Tunnel as a national highway; and, if not, will he alternatively increase the grant of 50 per cent. on the additional outlay of £2,750,000?
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Burgin)The Mersey Tunnel is in the areas of the county boroughs of Liverpool and Birkenhead, and I have no power to take it over as part of the trunk roads system. I am not prepared to re-open the question of the grant from the Road Fund which was fixed at 50 per cent. of the approved cost or £2,500,000, whichever was the less.
§ Mr. LoganIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the original estimate was wrong and that there was an agreement that 50 per cent. of the price would be granted? I am asking now whether, in view of the fact that this tunnel is a national highway, it is possible to take it over, together with the liability?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware that the cost of the ventilation works was much more expensive than was anticipated. There have been two Acts of Parliament dealing with the tunnel passed since then, in 1927 and 1933.
§ Mr. LoganI am aware of that, but as the right hon. Gentleman is a new Minister, I thought that he might have more consideration.