§ 70. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of War Transport how many toll bridges still exist on first and second-class and other roads; and what would be the approximate cost of making them free to the public in each case.
§ Mr. BarnesFifty-nine toll bridges still remain, of which two are on trunk roads, 13 on Class I roads, nine on Class II roads, and 35 on unclassified roads. I regret that I am not able to estimate the cost of freeing these bridges, as it depends on the particular circumstances of each case.
§ Captain Sir Peter MacdonaldIn view of the fact that provision was made in an Act passed in this House some time ago for local authorities to take over toll bridges and roads, will the right hon. Gentleman put pressure on local authorities to take action, because some of them are using such bridges for paying the local rates, and they will never, therefore, be freed?
§ Mr. BarnesI will undertake to give special attention to the question of toll bridges.