§ 86. Mr. MALONEasked the Minister of Transport what expansion in the present programme of works assisted from the Road Fund could be undertaken without an increase in motor taxation and without a charge falling on the Exchequer, assuming that the additional programme was financed by means of a loan secured on the revenue of the Fund?
§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. The prospective resources of the Road Fund are fully committed under the present programmes of works, and indeed it is estimated that the Fund will require to be assisted temporarily by the Exchequer during the next few years. In these circumstances, it will be seen that, apart from any question of policy, it would not be possible to meet the service of a loan without entailing one or other of the results which the hon. and gallant Member has sought to exclude in framing his question.