§ 12. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked what proportions of the Road Improvement Fund have so far been expended upon or allocated to surface improvement, widening, cutting off dangerous corners, and new road construction, respectively?
Mr. BENNThe Grants made by the Road Board up to the present time for road crust improvement works amount to £997,191; for widenings (including the improvement of corners and curves) to £85,391, and for new road construction (including road diversions and new bridges) to £85,814.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the hon. Gentleman able to give a separate figure for the item of cutting off these corners? Has anything whatever been expended in that direction?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTMy question was whether the hon. Gentleman is able to give a separate figure in respect of cutting off dangerous corners. Is he able to say whether anything at all has been expended by the Road Board in that direction?
§ Colonel YATEHas anything been done in cutting hedges and dangerous corners, as promised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Mr. BENNI should think a great deal has been done, but I cannot say what amount of money has been expended on that particular matter.
§ 13. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked what are the present amounts standing to the credit of the Development Fund and Road Improvement Fund, respectively; and whether and to what extent additions will be made to either during the coming financial year?
Mr. BENNThe total sum paid into the Road Improvement Fund in respect of Carriage Licences and Motor Spirit Duties up to 28th February was £2,998,343. Grants and loans to an aggregate amount of £2,687,000 have been indicated (including £997,191 formally made) by the Road Board to highway authorities and £521,871 has been actually paid out under Grants. With regard to the Development Fund the cash balance is £296,743, and in addition there are invested funds amounting to £2,500,000. I am unable to anticipate the intentions of my right hon. Friend with regard to the coming financial year, but under the existing law the Road Improvement Fund will receive the proceeds of the Petrol Duty, and also the revenue from Carriage Licence Duties over and above the receipts in the standard year 1909.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTCan the hon. Gentleman say, as asked in this question, what is the amount at present standing to the credit of the Road Improvement Board; and can he also say why so large a sum as £2,000,000 has been invested out of the Development Fund and not expended on many matters of urgent importance that are being asked for in regard to rural roads?
Mr. BENNPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a question as to the reasons, which are not asked in this question. I would direct his attention to the fact that one of the duties laid on the Commissioners is to have regard to the state of the labour market.