§ Sir ALFRED THOMASasked whether a direct grant would he made to minor local authorities, out of the fund proposed to be raised from the taxation of motor cars and petrol, towards the improvement and maintenance of roads within their areas now maintained by urban district councils?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI explained in my Budget speech that I propose that the 1190 revenue raised by the taxation of motor cars and petrol shall be placed at the disposal of a central authority, who will make grants to local authorities for schemes of road improvements, etc. I am afraid I cannot give my hon. Friend any further information until the Bill dealing with my proposals in connection with this matter has been issued to the House.
§ Mr. HORATIO MYERWill these sums be ear-marked for the purpose named, so that local authorities cannot use the money so granted for other purposes?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe money will be spent only for the purpose of carrying out schemes submitted by the local authorities to the central authority.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXWill these grants be for the benefit of the ordinary users of the roads—that is, in relief of the rates—or to cover additional expenditure, in the interest of motorists?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThey will be for improvements in the roads referable to motor traffic. Some of those improvements are at present carried out at the expense of the rates, and to that extent the grants will be a relief to the rates.
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEIf there are any schemes for the improvement of roads in London for motor traffic it will be quite within the competence of this authority to consider schemes of that kind.
Mr. G. D. FABER (York)What interest have motor 'buses plying in London in the improvement of roads in the country?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThat is a point the hon. Member should advance in debate.