HC Deb 12 July 1948 vol 453 cc826-7
26. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Minister of Transport how many toll bridges and roads are now operated under national ownership.

Mr. Barnes

Ten toll bridges and possibly four toll roads, according to my present information.

Mr. Shepherd

Is not the right hon. Gentleman ashamed of himself for having 10 toll bridges under his control? When does he intend to free the people from this system?

Mr. Barnes

No, I am not ashamed of my conduct in this respect; indeed, I think I have done a valuable service in bringing about the Transport Commission, who own this property. Their ownership ought to facilitate dealing with this problem.

Mr. Shepherd

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling the House that he will continue to operate toll bridges and roads indefinitely under the Commission?

27. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Transport how many toll bridges and roads are now being operated by local authorities; and when it is expected that this system will be brought to an end.

Mr. Barnes

Five roads and eight bridges, according to my present information. The abolition of the tolls is a matter for the local authorities concerned, but I have left them in no doubt that I am anxious to get rid of these tolls.

Mr. Shepherd

How can the right hon. Gentleman speak to local authorities as he does when he constitutes no example himself? How can he expect results?

Mr. Barnes

I am offering them a grant to co-operate with me in getting rid of these tolls.

Mr. Shepherd

I wish the right hon. Gentleman would offer himself a grant.

Sir F. Sanderson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman regard this whole business as a relic of early Victorian days? Will he see that the tolls are freed at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Barnes

Yes, Sir, and I am delighted to find that Members opposite now realise that it was only with the advent of the Labour Government that an attempt was made to deal satisfactorily with this problem.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend do something to encourage the newly-found enthusiasm of the Conservative Party for national and municipal ownership?