Written question asked by Charles Kennedy (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 4 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 December 1997. It was answered by Donald Dewar (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 1997 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will place a copy of the Confirmed Assignation Statement in respect of the Skye Bridge in the Library; and if he will comment on the Skye Bridge Company and the collection of tolls. - Will write.

Answer: Mr. Charles Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place a copy of the Confirmed Assignation Statement in respect of the Skye Bridge in the Library; and if he will make a statement on the Skye Bridge Company and the collection of tolls. [19920] Mr. Dewar: As the hon. Member is aware, we have been working with Skye Bridge Ltd. to implement the significant package of toll reductions that I announced on 4 July. I am pleased to advise that the toll reductions will come into force on 1 January 1998. The revised Toll Order will be laid today. We are simultaneously laying Regulations that set the amounts Skye Bridge Ltd. will be able to charge should they have to remove vehicles from the crossing in the event of non-payment of tolls. The hon. Member has previously recognised that the situation at Skye Bridge is not of our making. I trust he also appreciates that we have met out commitment to provide a fairer tolling regime for the people of the Highlands. within current constraints. I shall write shortly to the hon. Member about the Assignation Statement and the other points raised in his recent letter of 27 November. A copy of my reply will be placed in the Library of the House.

Secondary information