HC Deb 11 June 1980 vol 986 cc546-7
13. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy on toll charges on road bridges in Scotland.

Mr. Rifkind

The Government's policy was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on 27 July last.

Mr. Douglas

Why is the Under-Secretary of State so reticent about the financial stability of the boards responsible for toll charges on Scottish road bridges? Is he aware that any increase in the toll on the Forth road bridge will be regarded by my constituents, as a severe imposition and will inhibit industrial development in Fife?

Mr. Rifkind

I doubt that. The present level of tolls is substantially less in real terms than when first imposed. The representatives of the Forth joint board indicated to me that, in their assessment, abolishing tolls would increase the traffic flow by just over 1 per cent. That does not suggest even a remote effect on industrial development.

Mr. Peter Fraser

Given the toll-free status that Kessock bridge will enjoy, as it spans tidal waters, does the Minister recognise that there are anomalies in the imposition of tolls, and not only in Scotland? Does he accept that if such anomalies are to be removed it must be done on a United Kingdom basis?

Mr. Rifkind

My hon. Friend is correct. There has to be a United Kingdom policy. The original construction of the Forth and Tay bridges went ahead when local authorities said that they would agree to the imposition of tolls, and successive Governments have supported that view.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that I am one of the few hon. Members in the House who have been consistent throughout the years, despite changes in Government, about the need to abolish tolls on these bridges? Does he recognise that it is absurd that a motorist can travel from Land's End right through Fife, which is several hundred miles, and that the only bit of road that he has to pay for is that little bit across the Firth of Forth? Is it not time that such nonsense was ended?

Mr. Rifkind

The hon. Gentleman should appreciate that half the debt outstanding on the Tay Bridge is due not to the Government but to local authorities. There would be significant consequences for ratepayers in the Tayside region if action were taken to get rid of the tolls.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Will my hon. Friend keep the situation of the Erskine bridge under particular scrutiny? Is it possible that the costs of collecting the tolls will exceed the revenue?

Mr. Rifkind

My hon. Friend is correct. It is difficult to set a realistic level of toll to cover the cost of the outstanding debt on the Erskine bridge, but it is clearly right and proper that those using the bridge should make a contribution comparable to that for other toll bridges in Scotland.

Mr. Douglas

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.