§ 53. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what estimate he has made as to the charges which would be necessary on toll trunk routes to cover construction and maintenance costs, respectively.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo general estimate is possible, as such charge would depend on the particular road.
§ Mr. GrimondI appreciate that the figures vary a great deal according to particular roads, but as the Minister is rumoured to have an open mind on the subject, will he see whether details cannot be got out for different types of road so that we may judge whether suggestions for improving roads are reasonable?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI will look at the matter, but so many arbitrary assumptions would have to be made—for example, questions of cost, the number of points of entry, and so on—that I am doubtful whether the details would be of much use. I will, however, look into the question.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonWill my right hon. Friend take note of the abhorrence of all road users of a system of tolls? Does he not consider that road users already pay sufficient in taxation and, as taxpayers, ought to have the right to use the roads for which they pay to be constructed?