41. Mr. W. JOSEPH STEWARTasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the heavy highway rates in Durham County, he will go into the question of grants from the Road Fund, not to be on any specific percentage basis, but that the local authority's highway rates should be stabilised and that all other money necessary for the maintenance, repairs, and improvements of the highways, together with the costs of any new highways or bridges constructed, should be borne by the Road Fund or other national source?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Captain Austin Hudson)Apart from other considerations, the hon. Member's suggestion does not appear to be one which could be adopted without transferring from the local authority their responsibility for and control of their highways. Such a change, even if it were thought to be practicable or desirable, could not be limited to a particular county.
Mr. STEWARTIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that owing to the low rateable value, the rate in Durham County is 3s. 10d. in the £ against an average of 3s. in the £ for England and Wales, and is he prepared to give increased grants so as to make the highway rate there comparable with the rest of the country?
§ Captain HUDSONI think that is a different question. The Question on the Paper deals with another subject altogether.