87. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the urban councils of Consett, Benfieldside, and Leadgate have decided to postpone indefinitely their five-year road improvement programme, totalling the sum of £71,498, upon the ground that the grant of 50 per cent. of the cost offered is insufficient; and whether, in view of the fact that these are Special Areas where the burden of local rates is already excessive and where the necessity for such employment is most acute, he will recon sider his decision with a view to a more generous grant towards the scheme?
Captain HUDSONMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any decision to postpone the works submitted for his approval by the councils concerned. He has approved these works at the request of the councils for the invariable standard rate of grant. All the roads concerned are unclassified.