Toll poll question is fair says Brown

GORDON Brown last night defended the way the congestion charge referendum was being carried out — amid criticism of the scheme.

Manchester Blackley MP Graham Stringer urged the Prime Minister to scrap the “divisive” vote on the scheme, and instead invest in the trams.

There has been angry reaction to the question Manchester residents will be asked because it makes no reference to the congestion charge.

In the December ballot, residents will be asked: “Do you agree with the Transport Innovation Fund proposals?”.

This has been approved legally, Mr Brown told the Commons.

Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions Mr Stringer said: “MPs of all parties are calling for a fair and unbiased question in the referendum on the congestion charge in Greater Manchester.

“What we are getting is a partial and biased question which doesn’t even mention the congestion charge.

“Wouldn’t it be better, given the current economic circumstances, if this unnecessary charge was cancelled, if the divisive referendum was cancelled and we brought forward the investment in the tram system in Greater Manchester to an earlier date?”

The Prime Minister said: “I know there are strong views about this issue. The question that is in the referendum had to be approved legally and that is what actually happened.”

Up to £3bn in Government funds will be invested in public transport links if the charge comes into action by 2013.