§ 83. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the heavy rates now paid by agriculturists for the upkeep of rural roads and of the large increase of the Road Funds, he will consider a grant from these funds to all rural district councils for their unclassified roads in addition to the grants already paid for classified roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYDuring the past two years sums amounting to no less than £3,750,000 have been specially allocated from the Road Fund for the improvement of important roads in rural areas, and I have under consideration the allocation of a further sum for the next financial year. These grants are additional to the ordinary maintenance and improvement grants to Class I and Class II roads. My hon. and gallant Friend will see, therefore, that generous assistance is being rendered to meet the special difficulties of local highway administration in many rural areas. At the same time, having regard to the limitations of the Fund, and to the many other urgent claims upon it, I am unable to hold out any hope of grants being made generally to all rural highway authorities in respect of unclassified roads.