§ 48. Mr. GEOFFREY PETOasked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet Committee on Economy will consider the advisability of handing over the Road Fund to the local authorities in direct relief of the rates incurred for maintenance and improvement of the roads and of so distributing the other duties of the Ministry of Transport as to enable this Department to be closed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government intend to examine the question of the Road Fund in all its aspects and with due regard to the various interests affected, among which the responsibilities of the local authorities play so important a part.
§ Mr. PETOCan the Prime Minister tell us whether the Cabinet Committee on Economy are considering the question of reducing the rates as well as reducing the taxes?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that question comes within our competence.
§ 70. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now give an assurance that no part of the Road Fund will be diverted permanently or temporarily to purposes other than those for which the fund was established?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday on this subject to questions by the hon. Members for Govan and Chistlehurst.