HC Deb 27 October 1952 vol 505 cc1558-9
15. Mr. Hay

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to those inhabitants of Whitchurch, Oxfordshire, who work in Pangbourne and in Reading, by the continuance of the toll bridge over the Thames; and whether he will take steps to free this bridge from toll.

Mr. Braithwaite

My right hon. Friend realises the inconvenience caused by all toll bridges, but with the pressing need to restrict Government expenditure he is unable to make grants towards the cost of extinguishing tolls at the present time.

Mr. Hay

Does my hon. Friend realise that his reply conflicts with the answer he gave a few moments ago and that it will give great dissatisfaction to my constituents? How would he like to have to pay 2d. or 3d. every day on his way to work?

Mr. Braithwaite

There is no conflict. I said that we were anxious to close toll bridges where possible and when possible. At present we are concentrating what funds are available on road improvements at accident black spots, which, we believe, deserve high priority.