§ 15. Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a further statement on his negotiations with the Humber Bridge Board for the financing of the Humber Bridge.
Mr. Bob BrownAs I told my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 17th February, discussions between official of the board and my Department are continuing. The board has been asked for details about the design of the project which will assist in further consideration of costs.—[Vol. 796, c. 70–1.]
§ Mr. McNamaraWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that there has been great confusion recently as to how this is to be financed? Even though these negotiations are going on, could he set out the principles upon which the system of financing will be based?
Mr. BrownNormally, estuarial crossings are carried out by loan arrangements, and in this case we have said that the Department is prepared to lend part of the cost.
§ Mr. James JohnsonWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Humberside local authorities do not have sufficient money to finance the necessary infrastructure of schools, motorways and housing? Would it not be indecent of a Labour Government to refuse to support local authorities in finding this £20 million plus?
Mr. BrownI do not think that any question of indecency comes into this. I hope my hon. Friend will bear in mind that on principal roads Hull, along with other county boroughs, gets a 75 per cent. grant. I do not think that could be called indecent.