§ Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Humber bridge authorities concerning outstanding debt; whether any amount has been written off; and when he expects the overall debt on the bridge to be finally paid off.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThere have been no recent discussions, and no debt has been written off. The date at which the debt is written off will depend on various factors, including future toll levels. When my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State reaches a decision on the inspector's report, following last year's inquiry into proposals to raise tolls, we shall discuss the debts of the bridge with the bridge board.