§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those bodies and individuals who have made representations to him in support of(a) the design of and (b) the high-toll principle on the proposed Skye bridge.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonFrom extensive consultations conducted by means of presentations and public exhibitions attended by environmental bodies, elected bodies and the public there was clear evidence of support for the design of the Skye bridge. Highland regional council, Skye and Lochalsh district council, the Countryside Commission for Scotland and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland all favoured the box-girder design, as did the public with a majority of two to one preferring the present design.
636WBefore tendering for a privately funded toll bridge, with the level of tolls set no higher than existing ferry fares for a duration of up to 20 years, support was given by HRC, Skye and Lochalsh district council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise—formerly Highlands and Islands Development Board—and the majority of community councils of Skye and Lochalsh. Before accepting the winning tender in September 1991 the project was again presented to Highland regional council, which voted by a substantial majority to proceed with the toll bridge in preference to continuing with the ferries.
§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what circumstances it will be possible for the concessionaire of the proposed Skye bridge to increase tolls by more than the annual rate of inflation.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 14 December 1992]: The concessionaire cannot increase the tolls above the rate of inflation except in the unlikely event that the average annual revenues, measured over a full three-year period, were to fall below the 1990 level. In such circumstances the concessionaire is permitted to increase the tolls above inflation by the same percentage as the revenue falls below the 1990 figure. Under no circumstances can the tolls be raised above the rate of inflation by more than 30 per cent. If traffic levels then return to 1990 levels or above, the increase over inflation requires to be removed. No increases above inflation can be introduced prior to November 1997. The full details of the arrangement are described in the made toll order for the scheme a copy of which my right hon. Friend has arranged to be placed in the Library.