HC Deb 29 October 1912 vol 43 cc222-3
23. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked the figures upon which it is estimated that the distribution of the Improvement Fund has resulted in a saving of fourpence in the pound on agricultural rates?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is clear that the growing requirements of motor traffic would in any case have necessitated a large increase of expenditure on roads, and so far as Grants from the Road Improvement Fund will relieve the rural road authorities of this expenditure they will be a relief to agricultural rates. If the hon. Member will refer to the answer I gave to Lord Morpeth on 15th June, 1909, he will see that my estimate that the benefit to agricultural landowners would be equivalent to a relief of fourpence in the pound on the rates included also the saving to be derived from the operation of the Old Age Pensions Act. On that basis the fourpence is an under estimate.

Mr.BRIDGEMAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman referred to his own speech, in' which he said the fourpence referred exclusively to the £600,000 for road improvements, on 9th June?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

On 15th June, six days after the date the hon. Member has given, I made it perfectly clear. I included old age pensions.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give figures to substantiate that?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

There would be no difficulty in showing that there was a good deal more than fourpence.

Mr. PRETYMAN

May I take the answer to mean that he considers the local authorities are bound to maintain roads in suitable condition for motor traffic without any such Grant?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I did not express an opinion as to whether they are bound or not, but all I know is that before the Grant made by the Government an enormous sum of money was being expended in order to keep the roads fit for motor traffic.

Sir G. YOUNGER

Does the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that the Commissioners have invariably demanded local expenditure before giving a Grant?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I agree. I think they demand something like half. But for this the whole of it would be borne by the local authorities.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is it not the fact that they demand the expenditure of an equivalent amount?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is what I say, and they are contributing half.