§ 7. Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimated volume of traffic that will use the Humber bridge.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI understand that the traffic consultant to the Bridge Board has estimated that 4,000 vehicles a day will use the bridge on opening, rising to 14,000 in 10 years' time.
§ Mr. BrothertonAssuming those figures to be correct, will my hon. and learned Friend say what will be the outstanding debt, including borrowing charges, on the bridge in the year 2000? Will he say when he expects this, the most beautiful of all white elephants, to have finally paid for itself?
§ Mr. ClarkeThe Bridge Board assures me that it thinks the bridge will eventually pay for itself. I cannot give an estimate of the total outstanding debt at the turn of the century. The bridge has cost £88 million so far, so it ought to look good and do some good for someone on the north side of the Humber.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that much of the extra traffic generated by the bridge is likely to pass through the city of Lincoln? We therefore welcome the Government's decision to build a bypass round the city and urge the Minister to make sure that the project is completed as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. ClarkeI hope to be able to announce that we shall publish the draft orders—the detailed design for the new road—within the next few days.