§ Mr. Eric S. Heffer (Liverpool, Walton)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the refusal of the Department of Transport to give Mersey Travel financial assistance with the funding of the Mersey tunnels.This matter is specific, because the case for assistance was put to the Minister as long ago as 28 November 1989. It is estimated that, without the assistance that Mersey Travel has asked for, each poll tax payer on Merseyside will pay £10 on their community charge. In addition to the other burdens that they will have to bear, that will be a great burden. The Department's attitude contrasts with the support that was given to the Humber bridge.The matter is important because it will have dangerous effects on the economies of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wirral. Traders and shops in central Liverpool and Birkenhead have suffered because of the tolls that have existed for years. Increased tolls will have a bad impact on them.
The matter should be given urgent consideration because, in the immediate future, Mersey Travel must make its budget for 1990–91. The voice of Parliament—several hon. Members have raised this matter today—should be heard before it makes its final decision.
One hopes that we shall have convinced the Government to change their mind, at least partially, after the arguments have been aired. Labour Members asked for a meeting to discuss these issues, but we did not get 412 one. It is therefore important for the House to discuss the matter, so that we can at least have a proper debate before it is finalised.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heifer) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that be believes should have urgent consideration, namely,
the funding of the Mersey tunnels.I have listened with care to what the hon. Member has said. As he knows, I must decide whether his application comes within the Standing Order and, if so, whether a debate should be granted to take precedence over the business set down for today or Monday.I regret that the matter that the hon. Gentleman has raised does not meet the requirements of the Standing Order. I therefore cannot submit his application to the House.
§ Mr. Barry Porter (Wirral, South)On a point of order regarding your reply, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend—I use that phrase advisedly—the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heller) argued his case persuasively and well, and. I do not disagree with your judgment. Perhaps it is not clearly understood, however, that that application was about not only Merseyside and the Mersey tunnel but the fundamental approach to estuarial crossings and the rights of people to have their roads, tunnels and bridges—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member for Walton asked for a debate under Standing Order No. 20. There are many other ways in which the matter can be brought before the House.