HC Deb 28 November 1967 vol 755 cc398-9

Queen's Recommendation having been signified—

Motion made, and Question proposed, That, for the purposes of any Act of the present Session to empower the Secretary of State to levy tolls in respect of the use of a new road which crosses the River Clyde at Erskine and of cretain roads provided in connection therewith, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of any provision of the said Act.—[Dr. Dickson Mabon.]

11.30 p.m.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor (Glasgow, Cathcart)

There is one small point on the Resolution and I would appreciate the Minister's views on it. I ask this because of the many mistakes that we have had so far during the progress of the Bill. We even had to have it reprinted because the Minister's name had been wrongly spelled. My question relates to the word "roads". This deals with a bridge and I see that it says … in respect of the use of a new road which crosses the River Clyde.… In itself that would not be something to concern ourselves about but for the fact that later the Resolution says: … and of certain roads provided in connection therewith.… My only fear is that this could be used as a means of providing for road tolls as opposed to a toll on the bridge. In view of the way that the Bill has been handled so far—

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Eric Fletcher)

Order. That is a point that the hon. Gentleman can raise in the Scottish Standing Committee. It does not arise on the Money Resolution.

Mr. Taylor

I am told that there is no other place where I can raise this matter.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

It does not arise on the Money Resolution. It can be raised in Committee. We can only debate the Resolution now, not the content or merits of the Bill.

Mr. Taylor

It is on the Money Resolution. I do not wish to be silly about this, but I am asking this question on the Financial Resolution as set out. Why are the words … certain roads in connection therewith.… included? That is the only point, and if the Minister could answer it I would be extremely grateful.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Dr. Dickson Mabon)

There is no question of there being any tolls on a road or roads. I want to give that absolute assurance on that. It may be the policy of the party opposite, or the Liberal Party, I do not know, but there is no question of tolls on roads in connection with this project. That is absolutely out of the question entirely.

Mr. Taylor

I am grateful.

Question put and agreed to.