§ 10. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the passing into law of the Tyne Tunnel Act, when 2325 the work on the tunnel will commence and when it is likely to be completed.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Hay)The Tyne Tunnel Joint Committee proposes to invite tenders for the boring of the tunnel soon, and it expects work to start early next year. The tunnel and its approach roads should be completed within six years.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that Answer, but may I ask him to do all.he can to speed up this job, which will provide work for men in that area who badly want it? Furthermore, can he at this stage say what will be the toll charged on those using the tunnel on its completion?
§ Mr. HayThe tolls have not yet been finally decided, but we are certainly most anxious to get the scheme going as quickly as possible. I am afraid that there has been a little delay in the contract in the last few months owing to difficulties in the boring, but we certainly want to get busy as soon as we can.