§ Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Transport why his Department has failed to carry out the decision of the House of Commons of 27th February, 1923, for which eight of the members of the present Government voted, to the effect that inasmuch as practically all rural roads are now used by motor vehicles grants from the Motor Road Fund should be allotted in respect of all such motor-used roads, whether classified or unclassified; and whether the Ministry will now observe this instruction?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe extent of the assistance which can be rendered by way of grants to local authorities towards the cost of their highway expenditure, is limited by the amount of revenue accruing to the Road Fund from the taxation of road vehicles. Since 1st April, 1923, sums amounting to £5,000,000 have been made available from the Road Fund for the improvement of important roads in rural areas, including many unclassified roads.
§ Mr. HURDIn view of the rapid increase of this Fund will the right hon. Gentleman soon be able to carry out the decision of the House of Commons?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn my opinion the spirit of that decision has already been carried into effect, in view of the fact that this £5,000,000 has been made available.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHave the local authorities no power to decide which way the vehicles shall go?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not think that that question arises