asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) to which Vote the surplus of revenue over expenditure obtained from the Severn Bridge tolls is credited;(2) if he will consider lowering the price of crossing the Severn Bridge to 10p;(3) when the present price for crossing the Severn Bridge was fixed;(4) what are the criteria for deciding what the price will be to the motorist for crossing the Severn Bridge.

Under the Severn Bridge Act 1965 my right hon. Friend is required to charge tolls which will cover actual and expected costs, but no more. The present charges were introduced in 1971. The proceeds from toll charges are paid into the Consolidated Fund. There is no present likelihood of reducing the current toll of 12p per car.