§ 62. Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Transport why cheques for classified roads are sent through county councils; if he is aware that this method of working causes increased expenditure in both national and local administration; and if he will take steps to see that this method is altered?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The bulk of the classified roads are main roads for which the county council are financially responsible, or district roads towards the maintenance of which they contribute. It has, therefore, been found a convenient procedure to make all payments through the same channel. I am not aware that this has given rise to increased expenditure, and I see no reason to make any alteration in the procedure.
§ Mr. REMERIs the Minister aware that certain rural roads, when corners on them have to be dealt with, are immediately put under the county council after they have been classified in that way, and that that puts the local authorities to considerable trouble and inconvenience?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware, of course, of the fact stated by my hon. Friend, but I am also aware that in the great majority of the cases which go through the county councils that is found to be the most convenient way.
§ Mr. REMERWill the Minister get into touch with the various local authorities on this matter, and try to find a means of effecting economy in this way?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCertainly, if my hon. Friend will give me instances, I shall be most happy to do so.
§ Mr. LAMBIs it not a fact that all of these so-called rural roads are very largely used by the general public while motoring?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is so.