THE Government yesterday defended its toll proposal for the Western Harbour Crossing as the fairest possible.
Acting Financial Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was reacting to criticism from legislators that the consortium running the tunnel had been guaranteed a minimum rate of return.
''We have adopted the fairest way of monitoring by stipulating clearly in the legislation the rate of return, under which circumstances the toll can be raised and under which circumstances it cannot,'' Mr Tsang said.
It is estimated that the toll for the new crossing will be between $30 and $40 when it is opens by 1997.
The calculation is based on the principle that the consortium should secure a rate of return on its investment ranging from 15 per cent to 18.5 per cent.
