HC Deb 03 May 1926 vol 195 cc30-1
63. Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

asked the Minister of Transport the amount of the surplus standing to the credit of the Road Board on the 31st of March each year from 1920 to 1926; and why the surplus now credited has not been expended on, or at least earmarked for, definite schemes of road improvement, which in many counties are now held up for lack of money?

Colonel ASHLEY

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it by means of the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information, supplied:

The cash balances and investments of the Road Fund at the 31st March each year from 1920 to 1926 were as follows:

Cash and Investment Balances.
31st March: £
1920 … … … … 9,017,270
1921 … … … … 13,300,627
1922 … … … … 16,010,548
1923 … … … … 15,856,957
1924 … … … … 17,276,110
1925 … … … … 18,140,386
1926 … … … … 18,699,635
The execution of many of the works in respect of which commitments exist is spread over a term of years. As this expenditure matures, it will be met partly out of the accumulated balances and partly out of current revenue, which is to this extent anticipated.