§ 35. Mr. PARKINSONasked the Minister of Transport to state the minimum which would be required from the Road Fund during the next three years to carry out the programme of road improvements already laid down by the Ministry of Transport; and how much would be required for the maintenance of classified roads, taking into consideration the increased mileage which would fall to be classified during the same period?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONThe initiative in the preparation of schemes of road improvements rests with the highway authorities of the country, and no general programme is imposed upon them by my Department. I regret, therefore, that I cannot quote, the figure which the hon. Member seeks, neither can I forecast the increased road mileage which is likely to he classified during the corning three years.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman had any assurance from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that he is not going to. make a raid upon this Road Fund?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONI cannot say anything about the major question of policy until the Budget is introduced.
§ Major CRAWFURDMay we take it, from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer, that no bar has been put up by the Ministry of Transport to any further schemes of road improvement?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONI think the hon. and gallant Member can interpret that from my answer.