HC Deb 25 June 1913 vol 54 cc1065-7
54. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked how many applications for Grants from the Road Board were made in 1912–13; and how many were refused?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I understand that the number of applications received from highway authorities in the United Kingdom during the financial year ending 31st March, 1913, was 432; of these forty-three have been refused.

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

Is there any return showing the amount of Grants made to the various applicants?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not sure whether the Grants were not given in the reports last year, and whether, as far as this year is concerned, I have not given them in answer to questions. I will find out.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Will the next report contain the Grants received as well as those which are entertained?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have no control over the Road Board or its reports. I will communicate the hon. Gentleman's wish to them.

55. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked how many officials are employed by the Road Board; and how many have been appointed by competitive examination?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The officials employed by the Road Board are a secretary, two consulting engineers, five technical staff, two accountants, nine clerks, a messenger, and a boy. For many of these posts competitive examination would hardly be suitable or usual. Two of the clerical staff, who are two second division clerks, were appointed by competitive examination.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

When were they appointed?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. HOARE

Was the competitive examination after consultation with the Civil Service Commissioners?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I should also like notice of that question.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think this work of issuing loans to county councils could be as efficiently and more economically carried on under the Treasury Department?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

56. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked how many members there are of the Road Board, how many are paid, and how many are unpaid?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Road Board consists of a chairman (paid) and four members (unpaid). There is at present one vacancy caused by the death of the late Sir Charles Rose.

57. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked how many times did the Road Board meet in the year 1912–13, and what have been the respective attendances of the different members

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am informed that there were three formal meetings of the Road Board during the financial year ending the 31st March, 1913. One meeting was attended by all the members of the Board and two meeting by four members. In addition, there were thirty-four formal conferences with representatives of highway authorities, of which all were attended by the chairman, twelve by one, and eight by two members, in addition to the chairman.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether it is worth while having all these members of the Road Board if they only attend once a year?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot find any suggestion in my answer that any of the members only attend once a year.