§ Major Raynerasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider taking powers to raise a loan to enable highway authorities controlling other than trunk roads to purchase all existing tolls and pay off the loan out of revenue at the earliest possible moment, thereby freeing the bridges and ferries?
§ Mr. BurginI have drawn the attention of highway authorities in recent circulars to their powers under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, in regard to the acquisition of tolls, and to my readiness to consider applications for grants at the rate of 60 per cent. in the case of Class I roads and 50 per cent. in the case of Class II and Unclassified roads towards approved expenditure incurred in the exercise of these powers. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is prepared in appropriate cases to sanction the raising of a loan by a local authority to meet their share of such expenses.
§ Major Raynerasked the Minister of Transport whether any progress has been made in freeing from tolls the Teignmouth and Shaldon Bridge?
§ Mr. BurginThe Devonshire County Council have been informed of the terms on which a grant might be made from the Road Fund towards the cost of acquiring the bridge. I understand that they are still considering the maatter.