§ 1. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement with regard to the negotiations for the purchase of Selby Toll Bridge.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)Negotiations with the owners are still proceeding. Whilst they are in progress it would not be in the public interest for me to make any statement.
§ Colonel RopnerIn view of the very grave inconvenience which this bridge causes to the inhabitants of Selby and to the whole of the district, can the right hon. Gentleman give me an assurance that negotiations are being pressed on at the fullest possible speed, and can he give any sort of indication when they will be concluded?
§ Mr. BarnesI can give the hon. and gallant Gentleman an assurance that the negotiations are being pressed on with speed, because his persistence has compelled me to devote some attention to it, but it is a very involved affair, and I really cannot give any date. I will keep the matter under review.