§ 67. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Labour what is the total amount of money out of national funds he estimates will be spent on the construction of new roads and widening and improving existing roads during the year ending 31st March, 1923; and how much of this sum will be expended on purchase of land, compensation to persons disturbed in their businesses, legal expenses, materials, and wages, the total number of men expected to be employed, the average weekly wage they will be paid, and the number of hours worked per week?
§ 119. Mr. PATRICK COLLINSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount at present in the Road Fund 704 available for the making of new roads and the improvement of existing roads; how much is at present being spent monthly and how many men are employed; what plans have been made for further expenditure; and how many men will be thereby employed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel W. Ashley)It is estimated that about £15,600,000 will be paid out of the Road Fund, during the current financial year, towards the cost of road works of various kinds, including the cost of ordinary maintenance works. The bulk of this money is paid to local authorities, who are responsible as highway authorities for the execution of the work. For this reason I regret that it is quite impossible for me to furnish the detailed information asked for in the latter part of the hon. Member's question. I would also refer him to my written reply of today to a question from the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) which deals with the road programme.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether any steps are being taken by his Department to secure for the community the increased value of the land at each side of the roads that are laid?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYYes, the policy of betterment is in active operation.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the policy which is being adopted by the Liverpool Corporation in this connection, and will he inquire into it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will send me particulars, I will certainly do so.
§ Viscount CURZONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether this money is entirely derived from motorists?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYI believe so.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department exercise some supervision in the construction of these roads, so as to make them adaptable for the new needs arising from motor traffic?
Lieut.-Colonet ASHELYAll these new arterial roads are under the direct supervision of, and carried through by, the Ministry of Transport.