Oral Answers to Questions — Coal Mining Industry. – in the House of Commons am ar 7 Rhagfyr 1926.
Sir Frederick Penny
, Kingston upon Thames
asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consult with local authorities on the question of taking over privately-owned toll-bridges in their districts, in view of the heavy charge placed upon the industrial activities of people owing to the necessity of reaching markets, so that the cost is more equally distributed amongst the residents of those particular areas; and whether he will grant a payment from the Road Fund to minimise the cost to the local authorities as a compensation for the use made of the bridges by outside traffic?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
Officers of my Department are in frequent consultation with local authorities who contemplate the freeing of toll-bridges, and I am prepared to consider any application which may be formulated by the responsible bodies for assistance from the Road Fund for the purpose of eliminating tolls.
Sir Frederick Penny
, Kingston upon Thames
Has not this policy been adopted in regard to the Mersey Tunnel, and, in view of the very unsatisfactory position of toll-bridges throughout the country, will my right hon. Friend consider setting up a Committee to inquire into the whole position, so that something may he done which is not being done at the present time?
Mr Jack Lawson
, Chester-le-Street
Is not this an unwarranted interference with private enterprise?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
I see no useful purpose in setting up a Committee. The people responsible for putting forward these proposals are the local authorities, and, as far as I can remember, no concrete proposal has yet been put to me. When these proposals come forward, I will give them my careful consideration.
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
We cannot debate the matter now.
Sir Harry Brittain
, Acton
asked the Minister of Transport whether he can inform the House of the number of toll bridges at present in the country?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
I supplied the information for which my hon. Friend asks in an answer which I gave to a question which he put to me on 2nd March last, and of which I am seeding him a copy. I am not aware of any material charge since then.
Sir Harry Brittain
, Acton
Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me haw many of these toll bridges are in Hampshire?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
No, but I can tell him that there are about 64 toll roads, and double the number of toll bridges, in Great Britain.
Sir Frederick Penny
, Kingston upon Thames
Seeing that this involves a great hardship on the general public where the toll bridges are—
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
The hon. Member is trying to debate the question.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
