§ Mr. PENNYasked the Minister of Transport whether hr will bring to the notice of those local authorities who are taking no steps 'to free toll gates and bridges that the longer they leave them in private hands the heavier the compensation which will have to be paid eventually owing to the larger receipts from the increasing road traffic, which additional, charge will have to be met by ratepayers; and whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee to inquire info excessive toll charges made in some districts?
§ Colonel ASHLEYFrom the various cases which come to my notice, I am satisfied that local authorities are alive to the considerations urged by my hon. Friend, and I do not consider it necessary 883W to direct special attention thereto. The setting up of the suggested committee of inquiry would not in my judgment serve any useful purpose. As mentioned in paragraphs 34–36 of the Report on the administration of the Road Fund for the year 1923–24, particulars have already been collected of all toll bridges, and if my hon. Friend desires to bring any special case to my notice, I shall be happy to have it investigated.