§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is prepared to write off part of the capital debt of the Severn bridge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyIt has been the policy of successive Governments that estuarial crossings promoted on the basis that costs would be met from tolls should be paid for by users who enjoy the savings in time and money that these undertakings make possible. The Severn bridge undertaking is capable of meeting the objectives of its enabling legislation, including the repayment of its capital debt.