§ MR. WILLIAM KESWICK (Surrey, Epsom)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the damage done to country roads by reason of the increase in heavy motor and similar traffic, and to the consequent increase in the local rates which the local authorities have to raise for the purpose of repairing such roads; 5 and whether he will consider the expediency of appointing a Commission to inquire and report whether such local authorities should not be relieved to some, and, if so, to what, extent from such extra expenses.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) It is no doubt the case that traffic of the kind referred to in the Question may do damage to country roads, and some complaints to this effect have been made to the Local Government Board. It would, however, be very difficult to ascertain to what extent the cost of road maintenance is directly attributable to this traffic, and I could not undertake to recommend the appointment of a Commission, as suggested.