§ 20. Mr. TURTONasked the Minister of Transport what was the Exchequer contribution towards the maintenance of roads during the financial year 1931–32; and what was the total cost of road maintenance during that period?
§ Mr. PYBUSDuring the financial year 1931–32 payments amounting to £8,657,000 were made to highway authorities out of the Road Fund in respect of the maintenance of classified roads in counties. In addition £6,469,000 was paid out of the Road Fund towards the block grants payable to local authorities under the Local Government Acts, 1929. I regret that the total cost of road maintenance during the financial year 1931–32 is not yet available.
§ Mr. TURTONCan the Minister say whether he is satisfied that this expenditure cannot be reduced?
§ Colonel GRETTONCan the Minister say whether the whole of the sum which has been allotted for the maintenance of the roads is being spent on their maintenance and none of it on the improvement of roads?
§ Mr. PYBUSThis expenditure is carefully controlled, and, as far as I am aware, the money is spent only on maintenance.