§ 76. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Transport what agreements he has entered into with regard to the franchise to operate the ferry across the River Severn, which makes it necessary to make financial provision for the payment of compensation on the termination of the franchise.
§ Mr. Tom FraserNone. The owners of the Aust-Beachley ferry franchises wish them to be extinguished after the bridge is opened to traffic, so that there will cease to be any duty to continue the ferry. The present operators have asked that they should be compensated for the loss they expect to suffer as a result of the opening of the bridge. This request has been discussed with the operators on a "without prejudice" basis.
§ 77. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Transport to whom the franchise was granted for the operation of a ferry over the River Severn; what were the terms of the franchise; and when the franchise was granted.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI am informed that there are two distinct franchises, one entitling the grantee to ferry passengers from Beachley to Aust and the other in the reverse direction; that the existing rights originated in Royal Grant to family predecessors of the Duke of Beaufort; and that the Grant is believed to have been made in 1607 by His Majesty King James I. No document embodying the Grant has been produced to me, but I am informed that the present claim to title is based partly on the ancient title of the Duke and partly on deeds commencing in 1795.