§ 28. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is willing to take to consider the various difficult circumstances that surround local authorities in Scotland in undertaking the proper repair of roads that have suffered through inadequate attention during the War, and which are now being subjected to an increasing quantity of heavy lorry and other traffic due to the congestion of the railways and the number of commercial road vehicles freed from war service; and 19 whether he is aware that the road rates in Scotland, especially in large area counties, are very high, and that the Road Board are unable to contribute towards the repair of the roads in the majority of cases?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am aware that the road rates in some districts in Scotland are high, but as the hon. Member knows the Road Board had no power to contribute towards the maintenance of roads. Any assistance which it may be possible to give to local authorities when funds are available will be based on the classification which it is proposed to undertake.
§ Major GLYNWill the right hon. Gentlman get into consultation with the Secretary for Scotland, because the matter is extremely urgent? The roads are becoming almost impassable and the rates unbearable?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI regret to hear that the roads in Scotland are becoming impassable, because not very long ago I inspected a large mileage myself, and they were very good indeed. I will inquire from the Secretary for Scotland on the matter.