HC Deb 20 July 1960 vol 627 cc489-90
42. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport if it is proposed to charge tolls on motor vehicles using the second tube to be constructed for the Blackwall Tunnel; and when it is expected to be ready.

Mr. Marples

The second tunnel is expected to be open for traffic in 1965. Tolls will not be charged.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain for the benefit of people in Essex and Kent why they will have to pay tolls to go through the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel, yet they can go free through this one which is to be built a few years later? Why should not the people of Kent and Essex go through the tunnel without having to pay tolls?

Mr. Marples

There are special reasons. The existing tunnel will be used for one-way traffic and is free of tolls already. The new tunnel will be used for traffic travelling the other way. Therefore, it would be ridiculous to charge tolls on one tunnel and not on the other.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. Gentleman come to Kent and explain that to the people of Kent?

Mr. Marples

The hon. Gentleman is eloquent enough to explain it himself.

Mr. Benn

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling the House that tunnels from north to south carry tolls but those from south to north do not, or is it a question of inwards or outwards, or is this his definition of the tidal flow?

Mr. Marples

What I said was that south-bound traffic will use the new tunnel. North-bound traffic will use the old tunnel which is free of tolls. Either both or neither should carry tolls.

Mr. Braine

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that this is a matter of some importance to my constituents in southeast Essex? In view of the Answer he has just given, haw can he justify the imposition of tolls in the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel? Why have we in south-east Essex been singled out for discrimination?

Mr. Marples

This is governed by an Act of Parliament that has been passed by this House.

Mr. Popplewell

In view of the fact that the Minister is allowing this tunnel to be free of tolls, why should he have insisted that the Tyne Tunnel must have tolls? Is it a question that any traffic leading to the North has to have tolls?

Mr. Marples

There is a Bill coming before the House on this very issue

Forward to