§ 56. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked how much time it is proposed to give local authorities to collect and send in the necessary information in regard to roads situated in their respective areas required under the Budget proposals of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. LEWISThe Road Board issued to local authorities their directions about the proposed classification of roads on 30th April. Proposals have to be sent in by them as soon as possible. No final date can be fixed at present, but it is hoped that local authorities will make their proposals promptly.
§ Mr. R. GWYNNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the circular of 30th April stated that particulars should be sent in by the 30th May, and is he aware that it is quite impossible for the local authorities to do what is requested in the time?
§ Mr. LEWISIt is for the local authorities to do their best to supply the particulars for which we have asked.
§ Mr. SANDERSWhat about the cost? Does it fall on the local authorities?
§ 57. Mr. R. GWYNNEasked who is to bear the cost of preparing the detailed schedule, supplying maps, and taking a census of the traffic of all the public roads in England and Wales for the purpose of carrying out the Budget proposals of the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and what is the estimated cost of obtaining this information?
§ Mr. LEWISThe cost of preparing information which may assist in the classification of roads is an item of expenditure which should properly be paid by highway authorities, who will benefit by the new Grants on account of road maintenance.
§ Mr. R. GWYNNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost will run into thousands in many counties, and will he say what right the Local Government Board or the Road Board have to tell the authorities to incur this expense?
§ Mr. R. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman say what right the Local Government Board has to tell the Road Board to get this information at enormous cost to each county?
§ Mr. R. GWYNNEOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on Monday next on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SANDERSWill the hon. Gentleman endeavour to find out what the cost will be to the various counties of acquiring this information?
§ Mr. LEWISThe information is extremely difficult to obtain, but I do not think the cost will be excessive in any case.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILWill the hon. Gentleman say on Monday, or some other time, what authority the Road Board or the Local Government Board have, under the statute law of this country, for making these representations?