To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest figure for the overall operating deficit on the Erskine bridge.

In the financial year 1986–87 there was a surplus of revenue over operating costs of £702,050.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to (a) end or (b) increase tolls on the Erskine bridge.

The Scottish Development Department is currently reviewing toll levels at the Bridge.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he plans to take concerning the finances of the Erskine bridge.

The Scottish Development Department is currently pursuing a number of initiatives to reduce operating costs at the bridge including the recent transfer of responsibility for routine maintenance to Strathclyde regional council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest accumulated debt on the Erskine bridge.

The accumulated deficiency at 31 March 1987 was £63,259,983.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to write off the accumulated debt on the Erskine bridge.

We are keeping the question of the accumulated debt on the Erskine bridge under review.