HC Deb 13 July 1927 vol 208 cc2135-7
39. Sir R. HAMILTON

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can arrange that in the future the payment of approved grants towards the expenditure on roads can be made at the beginning of each quarter instead of in arrear as at present?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

The hon. Member no doubt has in mind the grants towards maintenance. This question has recently been under consideration, but I regret

Commander BELLAIRS

Do the figures which the hon. Gentleman is to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT include cars coming from Canada which are mainly American production and are taking advantage of the British preference?

Mr. SAMUEL

No, Sir. The question only deals with American cars. If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will endeavour to dissect the figures and give him the answer he asks for.

Mr. SKELTON

Could the hon. Gentleman give us the answer to the last part of the question, which should need only one word?

Mr. SAMUEL

There has been a very large increase in the figures for 1927 as compared with 1926, but there is little or no increase in my opinion in comparison with the figures for 1925. The comparison with the figures for 1926 is apt to mislead those who read the figures.

Following is the Table:

that I do not see my way to accede to the request, or to alter the present procedure under which payments on account are made quarterly in arrear.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Does the Minister realise what a great convenience it would be to councils who now have to get an overdraft and pay heavy interest charges to the banks if the money, instead of being paid quarterly in arrear, could be paid in advance?

Colonel ASHLEY

Yes, but I also realise the inconvenience it would be to have to pay a quarter in advance.

Sir R. HAMILTON

May I ask the Minister what the inconvenience would be? Is it not merely a matter of accountancy?

Colonel ASHLEY

I think the hon. Member will agree that it is not an unreasonable way of liquidating one's lability to pay once a quarter.

Major PRICE

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if he is unable to make a full payment, make a payment on account at the beginning of the quarter?

Colonel ASHLEY

The hon. and gallant Member must realise that to keep these roads in order rests with the local authorities and not with me.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the bulk of this money is spent on wages, which have to be paid weekly?