HC Deb 25 November 1981 vol 13 c876
9. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the outstanding debt on the Humber bridge to the nearest million pounds.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The accounts published by the Humber Bridge Board for the last financial year show that the outstanding debt on 31 March 1981 was £142 million.

Mr. Brotherton

What plans do the Government have to reduce the tremendous burden upon ratepayers and taxpayers alike created by the building of this beautiful white elephant?

Mr. Clarke

I have agreed with my hon. Friend in the past that this is a white elephant. However, now that we have it, we might as well get the best advantage out of it for Humberside and Hull. Indeed, some advantages should flow from it. The board is under a statutory duty to fix its tolls within the ceilings set by the Government to try to repay its capital debt in full over a 60-year period.

Dr. Edmund Marshall

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the amount of traffic that has used the Humber bridge since it was opened has greatly exceeded all expectations, thereby confounding all the dismal Johnnies who have criticised the bridge from the outset?

Mr. Clarke

I am pleased that the traffic figures have been high during the first few weeks of operation. I shall be delighted to be less of a dismal Johnny if in due course it is proved that this result of a by-election pledge is good value for money for the taxpayer.