§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will institute an immediate review by a senior advocate of the Skye Bridge toll order. [9153]
§ Mr. DewarThe Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 sets out the tolling regime for the bridge. My officials will consider the terms of the Toll Order in the light of the decision of the High Court in the appeal and my decision on toll levels for regular users set out in my reply to the hon. Member on 4 July,Official Report, columns 288–90. There is no case for the wider review suggested.
§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the costs to public funds of buying out the Skye Bridge contract. [9152]
§ Mr. DewarThe exit value of the contract is governed by the terms of the concession agreement with the operator. My Department calculated an estimate of the cost of termination of the contract on those terms as part of my delivery of our manifesto commitment to review the toll regime. All information relevant to that calculation is known to my Department and there would be no basis or purpose for a review.
§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will suspend Skye Bridge toll collection pending the hearing of the appeal; and what powers he has to pay interim recompense to Skye Bridge Ltd. pending the outcome of the appeal. [9155]