§ 69. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the bad state of the roads of Devonshire; whether any funds have been allocated to roads in this country from the Road Fund; and, if so, how much; and whether steps can be taken to secure an improvement by more efficient methods of construction and repair and an increased grant, if necessary?
§ Mr. GOSLINGNo reports of an exceptional character have reached me regarding roads in Devonshire, but I am aware that there is scope for improvement. I am glad to observe that the county council have approved a scheme, estimated to cost £1,000,000, and spread over the next few years, for the modernisation of their main roads. Assistance towards this project will be forthcoming from the Road Fund, in addition to the grants which are made towards the normal county programme of 236 road maintenance and improvement, estimated to cost £377,770 for the year 1924–25.
The grants made from the Road Fund during 1923–24 were as follows:
I have every reason to hope that the expenditure now contemplated will bring about a marked improvement in the condition of the highways in the county.
£ County Council 169,751 District Authorities 53,428 Total £223,179
§ Viscount CURZONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the question is not so much one of expenditure of money as of methods of repair and construction?
§ Mr. SULLIVANShould there be so much need for the county councils to spend money now that some hon. Members have lost their licences?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether the contribution towards the £1,000,000 from the Road Fund is on a 50–50 basis, or, if not, on what basis it is?
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the contribution from the Road Fund is wholly disproportionate to the burden thrown upon the ratepayers in Devonshire for the maintenance of the roads?