§ 37. Sir GIFFORD FOXasked the Minister of Transport what is the present position with regard to the construction of the Maidenhead by-pass; what is the percentage grant towards its cost now offered by him; and how the percentage of this grant compares with the highest percentage granted in connection with any by-pass scheme during the past five years?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The line and lay-out of the proposed by-pass is still under discussion between the Berkshire County Council and the Maidenhead Town Council. When the scheme is agreed my Department will be ready to consider it for the normal percentage grant for class 1 roads, i.e., 60 per cent. The highest percentage grant ever made in England or Wales during the past five years was 85 per cent.
§ Sir G. FOXCan the right hon. Gentleman say why he is now offering only 60 per cent. for a dual carriageway scheme, while his Department offered an 80 per cent. grant for a single carriageway scheme for this Maidenhead by-pass in 1930?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe grants were upon a different basis in 1930, and they have been discontinued. I would point out to my hon. Friend that, although 80 per cent. was offered to the council concerned on that occasion, they refused it.