§ Mr. Abseasked, the Minister of Transport what compensation would become payable as a consequence of extinguishing the franchise held by the Duke of Beaufort granting ferrying rights over the Severn, on the construction of the Severn bridge; under what circumstances such compensation becomes payable; and by what criteria he will determine the amount of such compensation.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe Severn Bridge Tolls Bill includes a provision for extinguishing of the ferry franchises on certain conditions if the present owners make application for it. In these circumstances extinguishment in itself if the Bill is enacted would not be expected to attract compensation. The owners have, however, had a claim in law for loss of land settled.