HC Deb 11 February 1980 vol 978 cc460-1W
Mr. Allan Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport who is responsible for administering the tunnels under the River Thames; and what financial arrangements are in being at present in relation to their continued funding.

Mr. Fowler

Dartford road tunnel is administered by the Dartford Tunnel Joint Committee. It is financed in accor- dance with the Dartford Tunnel Act of 1967, which provides for tolls to be collected.

Blackwall and Rotherhithe road tunnels are parts of the Greater London Council's metropolitan principal road network and are maintained by that council under its normal highway funding and maintenance arrangements.

London Transport Executive has a number of rail tunnels under the River Thames and its financing comes from fares and grants received from the Greater London Council. Expenditure is eligible for Government support through the transport supplementary grant system.

British Railways Board is responsible for and administer the tunnel carrying the Waterloo and City tube line under the Thames. Maintenance and renewal expenditure on this tunnel would be included in the board's annual public service obligation claim for compensation under EEC regulation 1191/69.