§ 33. Dr. MORRIS-JONES (for Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES)asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state, in reference to the sum of £4,000,000 approved for expenditure on unclassified roads, what proportion of this amount represents grants already made to local authorities; and what is the total expenditure contemplated within the present financial year in respect of contracts actually let or work commenced by local authorities?
§ Mr. LAWSONI have been asked to reply. Since the 1st June, 1929, the Unemployment Grants Committee have approved for grant schemes in respect of unclassified roads estimated to cost approximately £4,747,000 which are being undertaken by local authorities for the relief of unemployment. It is estimated that of this sum about £3,500,000 represents the expenditure which will be incurred 30 in the present financial year in respect of work which has been already commenced or is due to commence during the year.
§ Colonel ASHLEYCan the hon. Gentleman state what proportion of this large sum is found by the local authorities?
§ Mr. LAWSONNo, I cannot say.
§ 34. Dr. MORRIS-JONES (for Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES)asked the Minister of Transport, in reference to the sum of £33,000,000 approved for expenditure on classified roads, what proportion of this amount represents grants already made to local authorities; and what is the total expenditure contemplated within the present financial year in respect of contracts actually let or work commenced by local authorities?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI have been asked to reply. Out of the sum of £33,000,000 to which the hon. Member refers, grants have already been made from the Road Fund to schemes involving an estimated expenditure of approximately £13,500,000 for improvements of classified roads. These grants were made on the understanding that the works would be put in hand at an early date, but my hon. Friend is unable to state the proportion of the expenditure likely to be incurred during the present financial year.
§ Colonel ASHLEYCan the hon. Member say how long this offer will remain open? We have already been told that the offer would be put into force without delay, and I would like to know how much longer it will remain open?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEHow much of this work has actually been started?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI cannot say.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEI will put down another question on this point in a week's time.