HC Deb 02 November 1965 vol 718 cc866-8
42. Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that he will not increase the toll charge on the Forth Road Bridge; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Dr. J. Dickson Mahon)

The Forth Road Bridge Order 1958 empowers my right hon. Friend to revise the tolls after the bridge has been open for 12 months; my right hon. Friend intends to discuss the matter with the Joint Board.

Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

As 12 months have elapsed and as the charge of 2s. 6d. has been readily accepted, by and large, by the users of the bridge, will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he and his Department will make every endeavour to see that the toll is not increased?

Dr. Mabon

It is very difficult to give that assurance until all the facts have been completely examined. That is the reason why the matter ought to be discussed with the Joint Board and that is why we are still proceeding with that stage.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the toll will be abolished, especially as a large proportion of the coal mines scheduled for closure under the Government's new fuel plan will be on the north side of the bridge, so that the continued imposition of the toll might have an adverse effect on the economic development of that area?

Dr. Mabon

It is difficult to anticipate the abolition of the toll until the matter has been fully discussed. It is worth saying to my hon. Friend that development in this industrial area of Fife has gone ahead and that, while these factors must be taken into consideration, it is not considered that the existence of the toll has deferred or in any way inhibited economic development.

Mr. G. Campbell

How does the hon. Gentleman reconcile the Government's present attitude with the statement in the pre-election pamphlet, "Signposts for Scotland", that the imposition of any toll on this bridge was indefensible?

Dr. Mabon

It is a matter for great regret that the hon. Gentleman persists in misreading manifestos of all parties, including his own. The fact is that the Labour Party manifesto did not say that. Even though my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) might have wished otherwise, it said that if industrial development was inhibited, tolls would be abolished.

Mr. George Y. Mackie

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the imposition of a toll on the Forth Road Bridge conflicts with the Government's policy of regional development? In view of the large amount of motorway being built in England and the very small amount being built in Scotland, will he give an assurance that he will consider the suggestion of his hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) and abolish tolls altogether?

Dr. Mabon

There is no evidence that what the hon. Gentleman said in his first question is correct, but we are certainly willing to look at that. We always give considerable preference to suggestions by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West in this matter, but the Government have noted with concern that the Liberal Party has gone on record as being in favour of tolls not only on bridges but on roads.

Back to