§ Mr. LARDNERasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Road Board proposes to allocate to Ireland £150,000 from the Road Improvement Fund, the total road mileage of Ireland being upwards of 50,000 miles, whilst it is proposed to allocate £175,000 to Scotland with a road mileage of only 24,000 miles approximately; and whether he will make representations with a view to obtaining equitable treatment for Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand the Grants from the Road Improvement Fund for Ireland and Scotland are as stated. The road mileage of Ireland is 58,330 miles. I have no information as to that of Scotland, but assuming that it is correctly stated in the question, I do not think that the mere difference in mileage is sufficient ground for making representations to the Road Board.
§ Mr. LARDNERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proposal of the Road Board has been very unfavourably received in Ireland, and will he make representations to have a new scheme prepared?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWell, Sir, most things are unfavourably received in Ireland. I will do my best to consider whether there is anything in this particular case. I only pointed out to the hon. Member that a mere difference in mileage is not a sufficient basis for a ground of complaint.
§ Mr. LARDNERWould it not be well to consider the merits of this case?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIts merits, certainly!