§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give information as to the cost of the maintenance of roads in each of the counties of England and Wales in each year from 1902 to 1907, both inclusive; and whether he can ascertain what part of the additional cost of the maintenance; of roads is, in the opinion of the high- 746 way authorities of the various districts, attributable to motor traffic.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) Particulars of the expenditure on main roads and other highways by county councils and by the councils of boroughs and other urban districts and of rural districts are given in the annual Local Taxation Returns. The authorities other than county councils are grouped under the head of counties. The Returns for the years 1902 to 1906 (except one Part for 1906) have been published, and I shall be happy to send my hon. friend a set of them if he so desires. The Returns for 1907 are in preparation. I am unable to say what part of the cost of highway maintenance the highway authorities attribute to motor traffic.