§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the financing of the Mersey tunnels; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe financing of the Mersey tunnels is a matter for the Merseyside passenger transport authority. Over the last three years we have had extensive discussions with the authority about the debts of the Mersey tunnels and we have helped to produce projections of the tunnel's financial performance. If the PTA considers that it has a case for Government financial assistance we will be prepared to consider it.