§ 70. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Transport the names of the highway authorities whose schemes for the five-year road programme, estimated to amount in the aggregate to £33,520,000, have been approved for Road Fund grant, and the estimated amount of the schemes of each authority?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)As the answer to this question would involve giving the names of 525 highway authorities, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will not press for the publication in the OFFICIAL REPORT of information which would be of little general interest.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs the House to understand from that answer that 525 local authorities have had their applications granted within the limits of £33,000,000?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHACertainly.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether 593 17 county councils have told him that they cannot afford to carry out the programme because of the burden on the rates?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir, but my general experience is that county councils start by informing me that they cannot afford it, and subsequently find they can.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSCan my right hon. Friend say how many highway authorities have not yet had their schemes approved?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAA very small percentage. I could not say off-hand what it is.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo I understand that the programme amounts to £100,000,000?