HC Deb 12 April 1920 vol 127 cc1367-8
6. Mr. CLOUGH

asked how much of the money ear-marked for road improvement after the War has been allocated and spent; and how much there is still in hand?

Sir E. GEDDES

Of the total amount of £10,536,000 ear-marked for road improvement after the War, the sums indicated to highway authorities up to the end of March amounted to £10,106,156, leaving an unallocated balance of £429,844. As work progresses the highway authorities requisition for payments on account against the grants made to them. Up to the end of March payments amounting to £3,434,780 had been made.

Captain TERRELL

Will the balance be spent this year so as to get the roads into a proper conditions at once?

Sir E. GEDDES

The money allocated is being spent as fast as the local authorities can spend it, and there is only a balance of £429,000 not yet allocated.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider the whole question of road repairing in view of the state in which the roads have got during the war; and is he aware that hundreds and thousands of pounds have been lost through the breakdown of mechanical transport caused by the bad condition of the roads?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am aware that the roads have got into a very bad state, particularly in certain parts where they draw their stone by sea. The whole question of the roads is continually under review and there is a very small un-allotted balance. The money allotted is being spent as fast as the local authorities can spend it. The general condition of the roads is being considered and will be provided for,. I hope, by the new motor taxation.

Mr. W. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where we can get the details of this expenditure?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am not aware that it is published at all, but I shall be glad to supply the hon. Member with details after the allotment has been made.

Mr. BILLING

Are not the military authorities largely responsible for the condition of the roads, and will he call upon the War Office to use some of their superfluous staff to help to bring the roads back to their proper condition?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am not aware that there are any superfluous men at the War Office who could do that work, but the repair of the abnormal damage to the roads has been carried on very fast, and, I believe, satisfactorily.