§ Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an assessment of the effect on small businesses in the Severnside area of the recent increases in toll charges on the Severn bridge.
§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisle[holding answer 6 July 1992]: A report by Pieda plc which was recently published by the Department of Employment concluded, on the basis of a survey of businesses in Avon and south Wales, that the second Severn crossing scheme, taking account of the new tolls, would have a positive effect on local trading and commercial activity, and stimulate investment opportunities in south Wales. Copies of the executive summary of the report, entitled "The Economic Impact of the Second Severn Crossing", are in the House Library.