§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the figures recently given by him of the allocation of £100,000 to the several counties of Ireland for works of road improvement make a total of only £79,000; whether he will explain how such a statement came to be made; and what is proposed to be done with the remainder of the money?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIt was not suggested that the total sums already allocated as shown in my answer to the question put by the hon. Member on the 28th ultimo amounted to £100,000. Since the 28th March the Road Board have allocated £5,000 for contributions towards approved schemes of road improvement in County Donegal. They have under consideration the grants to be made out of the hitherto unallocated balance of the total of £100,000 promised.
§ Mr. HAYDENI asked how the £100,000 has been distributed. An allocation of only £79,000 is shown, and it does not account for the balance?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEBecause the balance has not been distributed.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDOn what basis is this sum distributed? Is it a basis of population or assessment?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIn accordance with the decision of the Road Board. Each scheme is dealt with on its merits, and neither the population nor any other single fact indicates by itself the reasons by which the Road Board arrives at the allocations.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDAs there is nobody here to answer for the Road Board would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to make the inquiry which I have made, and let me have an answer?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThere cannot be any other answer than that which I have given. It depends upon a whole variety of circumstances.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDIn view of the dissatisfaction existing as to the amount allocated, would the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain some indication of the basis on which the Road Board have proceeded?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI will communicate with the chairman of the Board as to whether I can get some memorandum on that point.