§ 34. Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the level of debt and future toll arrangements for the Humber bridge.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe outstanding debt on the Humber bridge at the end of the 1985–86 financial year was £256.1 million. The debt continues to rise as annual deficits are capitalised. The Government accepted in their response to the Transport Committee's report on tolled crossings that the Humber bridge is a special case. Officials of the Humber bridge board and my Department are evaluating ways of putting the finances of the bridge on a sound footing. I hope this will help the board when it presents its preferred solution for consideration.