§ 16. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the use of road tolls.
§ Mr. ChannonA number of motoring and freight transport organisations have expressed opposition to the introduction of road tolls. Some construction and financial organisations have expressed interest in building privately financed roads which might involve charging. I have no plans to impose tolls on existing roads.
§ 27. Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any recent proposals from the private sector for the construction of new toll roads; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyCostain has recently put forward in outline ideas for a road tunnel under the Thames and for a second tier on the M25. These plans do not as yet constitute firm proposals. As we said in the 1987 White Paper, the Government are keen to encourage initiatives by the private sector for adding to the level of transport infrastructure wherever this is the most cost-effective way of providing the facilities concerned. We shall be pleased to look at any firm proposals in that light.