§ 7. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will invite the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board to reconsider its proposal for a 10s. toll on commercial vehicles using the Tay Road Bridge.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonNo, Sir. It would be improper for my right hon. Friend to consider this proposal until the procedure prescribed in the Tay Road Bridge Order, 1962, has been carried out.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneIn view of the pledges given by the party opposite about this matter at the last election, could the hon. Gentleman at least undertake that in the unlikely event of the Labour Government having to take this decision, they will set their minds against any suggestion of a 10s. toll, which will drive heavy vehicles off the Tay Road Bridge altogether?
§ Dr. MabonI much regret that the hon. Gentleman was not here to debate this matter on Friday, when I made it clear that, under Section 83, certain proper procedures had to be carried out, and the Secretary of State could not pass comment on these matters, despite the blandishments of the hon. Gentleman, without breaching the Statute.
§ Mr. William HamiltonIs my hon. Friend aware that if tolls are charged at all on the bridge, the County of Fife will be the only county in Britain where one has to pay to get in and pay to get out?
§ Mr. G. CampbellWill the right hon. Gentleman, during the short period that he has this under consideration, none the less bear in mind the advantages of a low flat-rate toll such as has been operating on the Forth Bridge?
§ Dr. MabonThe Secretary of State will probably show more sensibility about this than his predecessor.