§ 4. Major O'NEILLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the serious state of the roads in many parts of Ireland owing to the heavy commercial motor traffic upon them, and can he say what funds, if any, are available for their repair in addition to those provided by the local authorities out of the rates?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)I have been asked to answer this question. I am aware that some roads in Ireland have suffered from abnormal traffic due to War conditions, and contributions towards the repair of these roads have been made by the Government Departments responsible for the traffic. Taking Irish roads as a whole, I am not prepared to admit that there is any marked deterioration as compared with their condition before the War. Practically all the highway authorities in Ireland are engaged upon the completion of works towards which grants have been made during the current financial year from the Road Improvement Fund. Nearly all the available moneys from this source have now been allocated, and it will not be possible to make additional grants until further provision is made by Parliament.
§ Commander Viscount CURZONMay I ask whether that answer, in so far as it concerns contributions by Government Departments for the repair of special damage to roads, applies to England as well as to Ireland?
§ Major O'NEILLIs any legislation in contemplation in the direction indicated by the hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. NEALThat is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Finance Act.