HC Deb 01 August 1922 vol 157 cc1236-7
9. Mr. MANVILLE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what amount has been received in tolls on the military road between Winchelsea and Rye during the last 15 years; how often the road has been completely repaired during that period: are the repairs now being carried out for a length of only 1,000 yards out of a total length of three miles; and, seeing that this road is an essential link on the coast road east and west, whether he will direct that the whole length of the road should be repaired?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)

There is no record of the amount received in tolls on the Rye-Winchelsea Road prior to 1915. For the seven years April, 1915, to March, 1922, the receipts were £3,278. An average of one-third of the whole road is put into complete repair yearly as far as revenue allows: at the present moment 900 yards run of the road are being completely repaired out of a total length of 2,940 yards. By the Statute under which the road was constructed, the amount expended on repairs must not exceed the revenues received from tolls; subject to this statutory limitation all repairs that are practicable are carried out.

Mr. MANVILLE

Has the road been maintained out of the revenue from tolls? Considering its great importance, will my hon. and gallant Friend not hand it over to the Roads Board, so that it may be kept in a condition similar to that of the other roads in the immediate vicinity?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I should prefer to look into the matter before giving an answer. I think probably not.

Captain Viscount CURZON

Will the hon. Gentleman consider taking a personal trip along this road in a War Office car?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I would not mind doing it in a War Office car, but I will not go with the Noble Lord.