HC Deb 20 November 1963 vol 684 cc978-9
28. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the toll charges to be imposed on users of the Forth Road Bridge; and whether, in view of the serious economic situation in areas depending on and served by the bridge, he will reconsider the policy of the imposition of tolls.

Mr. Noble

When the Joint Board submits its proposed schedule of tolls I will, if this seems necessary, arrange a public local inquiry into the adequacy of the schedule to meet the Board's financial obligations. I do not believe that tolls will have a significant effect on the great contribution the bridge will make to economic development in the areas which it serves and no change of policy is contemplated.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he or his Department should have commented on the suggested flat-rate toll of 2s. 6d. before the official reports were made to him? In view of the fact that the Government's mandate is running out—indeed they never had one in Scotland—would it not be better for them to defer action on this matter until after the election?

Mr. Noble

I have read comments that perhaps I and my Department moved a little quicker than was necessary. This is exactly the opposite of what hon. Members opposite often accuse me of. If I was wrong I apologise. As fora mandate, I hope that hon. Members opposite will not have, as their foreword to the next election in Scotland, "Promises agreed and made should be broken".

Mr. Woodburn

I agree that a bargain was made and that, if there is no change in the willingness of the bargaining parties, it should be kept. In view of the generous amount of money which the Government are anxious to spend on improving facilities for industry in central Scotland, would it not be a good contribution to get rid of the irritation of tolls altogether and make this a continuation of the roads running from north to south?

Mr. Noble

I quite agree that, inevitably, there is some irritation in having to pay tolls. But there is the counterbalancing argument that we get considerably more money for our roads if we get some of the more expensive items paid for in this way. Regarding industry, it may interest the House to know that since we last discussed this matter at Question Time seven new firms and four firms in Fife have extended their premises. This seems to me to indicate that Government policy is not holding up development, very important as it is, in this area.