HC Deb 20 April 1989 vol 151 c267W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to make the orders authorising an increase in Mersey tunnel tolls; whether he intends to use his powers under the County of Merseyside Act 1980 to confirm or modify the toll levels for fiscal year 1989–90; how any waiving of interest repayments would be authorised and financed; what are his long-term plans for the financing of the Mersey tunnels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

On 14 April a letter was sent to the Merseyside passenger transport authority informing it of the Secretary of State's decision to confirm, with modifications, its order setting new toll levels for the Mersey tunnels. The order will be made shortly.

The long-term financing of the tunnels is the responsibility of the PTA. I hope there will now be fresh discussions with the PTA about its options for putting the finances of the tunnels on a sound basis.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider lifting tolls on the Mersey tunnels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The Mersey tunnels were promoted by the local authorities under legislation on the basis that they should be tolled. The legislation does not provide for the Secretary of State to abolish tolls.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a study into the potential increase in traffic using the Mersey tunnels should tolls be lifted.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The Mersey tunnels are the responsibility of the Merseyside PTA. Any such study would he a matter for it.