§ 6. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make public the terms of reference to be issued to the commissioner conducting the public inquiry into the proposed increase in toll charges on the Severn bridge.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to him on 20 February last, saying that there will be no formal terms of reference. The question before the inspector will be whether to recommend that the draft order in which the proposed tolls increase was published should be made.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the strategic importance of the Severn bridge as part of the motorway network and the need for the removal of an impediment to the free flow of freight and other traffic to and from Wales, will the Minister ensure that every consideration is given to views calling for the ending of tolls, let alone their increase?
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe hon. Gentleman is aware that it is for the inspector to determine what evidence is relevant to the proposal before him, which is to increase toll charges. I understand what the hon. Gentleman has said, but the inquiry is about a particular proposal, and anything that is considered there is decided by the inspector and not by Ministers.
§ Mr. AndersonIs the Minister aware that the proposed increase in tolls will be seen in Wales as an additional deterrent to industrial location in the Principality, adding to the other deterrents which the Government have raised, such as the reduction in the regional development grants. Will that be considered by the inspector?
§ Mrs. ChalkerAs I said to the hon. Member for Newport, East (Mr. Hughes), it is for the inspector to determine what evidence is relevant to the proposal. It is for the inspector to decide whether to take into account those matters which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. I accept what the hon. Gentleman says, but plainly any road that is some distance from the ports of entry has a bigger problem than somewhere nearer those ports. It is for the inspector to decide.