§ 111. Sir ROBERT SANDERSasked the Minister of Transport what sum has, during the last two years, been contributed by the Road Fund towards the maintenance, as distinguished from the improvement, of rural roads not classified as first or second class?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo contributions have been made from the Road Fund towards the ordinary maintenance, as distinguished from improvement, of any roads which are not included either in Class I or Class II. My hon. and gallant Friend will, however, recognise that the grants made to the reconstruction and improvement of important roads in rural areas must have the effect of reducing the future burden of maintenance which falls on the local authorities concerned.
§ Sir R. SANDERSDoes the right hon. Gentleman lay it down that no grant shall come out of this fund for the maintenance of roads that are damaged by motors?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not lay clown anything for all time, but that has been the practice in the past.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 140,000 miles of unclassified roads used by motors which get no grant from the Road Fund, and will he give them something out of it
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, but I have no more money to distribute.