§ 68. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport whether his Department stands committed to a scheme of road improvement which will absorb all the anticipated receipts of the Road Fund up to the year 1930; and whether, in the administration of the Road Fund, he will accept the principle that, until largely increased grants are made towards the cost of maintaining existing roads, no further sums shall be allocated for the construction of new arterial roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs regards future commitments, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to paragraph 3 of the Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Fund for the year 1924–1925. As regards the second part of the question, in view of the continuous growth of traffic, a reasonable expenditure on the 2094 widening of existing roads, the construction of new bridges, and of by-pass and other new roads is necessary to prevent the overloading and congestion of existing roads. Local authorities require assistance in carrying out these necessary works as well as in maintenance.
§ Major GLYNMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether that means that there is, in fact, no real surplus to the Road Fund until 1930?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat has always been a matter of opinion.
§ 69. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport whether, as there are now 39,258 miles of classified roads in England and Wales out of a total road mileage of 178,205, he will consider the advantage of having more detailed information regarding the character of the unclassified roads under the administration of rural district councils, since a good many miles of grass roads and others of a character quite unsuited for motor traffic are, under the existing Regulations, included in the local authorities' returns as part of the unclassified road mileage of the area?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe figures quoted my my hon. and gallant Friend relate to Great Britain. I have not got the information he asks for in the form suggested, and I am sure he would not desire that local authorities should be asked to make a special return. I will certainly consider his suggestions in connection with any revision of the general returns which are made, with a view to increasing the information available.
§ Mr. HURDMay I ask whether, as a matter of fact, the circular which is being issued to-morrow will not call for this in formation as to the character of the roads from the rural district councils?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I do not think it will ask for this particular information.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the information does come in we shall get it, and be able to supply it to the hon. and gallant Member for Abingdon (Major Glyn).
§ 76. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the repair and maintenance of 90,000 miles of unclassified roads cost rural district councils between £5,000,000 and £6,000,000 last year; and whether, in view of the increased revenue from motor taxation this year, he will allot the whole of this increase, in addition to the £750,000 already promised, to these roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I am unable to accept the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member in the second part of the question.