HC Deb 29 July 1924 vol 176 cc1883-4
33. Mr. BLACK

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now promise any Government grants to rural district councils for the improvement and maintenance of their ordinary third-class roads, seeing that these roads are now largely used for motor-car traffic and that otherwise they cannot be kept in a satisfactory condition?

Mr. GOSLING

As I stated on the 17th June, in reply to a question by the right hon. and gallant Member for the New Forest and Christchurch Division (Colonel Ashley), a further sum of £1,000,000 has been allocated towards the improvement of important roads in rural areas. This is additional to the sum of £2,750,000 already allocated to this purpose during the past 18 months.

Mr. BLACK

Is the Minister aware that the ordinary rural roads are deteriorating very seriously, and that it is impossible for the rural areas to carry out repairs and maintain them without further grants?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is exactly the question on the Paper.

Viscount CURZON

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that he will not recommend the grant of any further money to the Leicestershire County Council until they put their roads in order?