§ SIR F. CAWLEY (Lancashire, Prestwich)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the increased expenditure in respect of highways which local authorities find necessary to meet the ever-increasing volume of heavy motor traffic; 1467 whether the Government intend to introduce legislation for the regulation of such traffic, and for some adequate contribution of local authorities in aid of the maintenance of the highway.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN BURNS, Battersea)There has been a growth in respect of highway expenditure in recent years, but I cannot say how far this is due to heavy motor ear traffic. No promise can be given to introduce legislation with regard to such traffic during the present session. As respects a contribution towards the cost of highway maintenance I would refer to the Answer given on 1st April last by the Prime Minister, who was then Chancellor of the Exchequer, to a Question put to him by the hon. Member for the Southern Division of Wexford. My right hon. friend then stated that the matter could not properly be dealt with except in connection with the relations between the Exchequer and local taxation generally, a subject which was receiving the consideration of the Government.