HC Deb 08 March 1933 vol 275 cc1164-5
24. Mr. CHRISTIE

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the reasons why the county of Norfolk, with a highway rate of 9s. 9¼d. and a total rate of 13s. 6d. in the pound, is not allowed the same grant of 75 per cent. for road maintenance which is given by the Ministry to Monmouthshire, whose expenditure on highways is equivalent to a rate of 3s. 2d. in the pound and whose total rate is 11s. 8¼?

Mr. STANLEY

I am unable to verify the rate figures quoted by my hon. Friend. The grant of 75 per cent. which was made to the Monmouthshire County Council in 1931–32 was a special measure of assistance towards an estimated expenditure of £14,228 on the reinstatement of certain classified roads and bridges which had been severely damaged by flood. Apart from this special case, there has been no difference in the rates of grant towards road maintenance given to Monmouthshire and Norfolk.

Mr. CHRISTIE

Does my hon. Friend realise that Norfolk has to administer an area of over 1,000,000 acres more than Monmouthshire?

Mr. STANLEY

Yes: I have no doubt that if Norfolk were unfortunately to be afflicted with a flood, full weight would be given to that consideration.