§ 62. Mr. Peatasked the Minister of Health how many county and other local authorities in England and Wales own or work roadstone or gravel quarries; what accounts are published; and whether he will insist on the publication of the details of costs, including the correct proportion of the general overhead costs of the authority, so that the ratepayers may compare the final cost of the stone with contract prices and so ascertain whether the quarry is carried on at a loss or a profit?
§ Sir K. WoodI am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport that about 20 county councils own or work quarries in connection with road works assisted from the Road Fund. So far as I am aware no separate accounts of this working are published, but I understand that the materials used are generally charged to the highways account on the basis of ascertained cost. As regards the last part of the question, I will consult my right hon. Friend and communicate with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the West Riding of Yorkshire have dealt with this matter and have brought down their contract price by 2S. 6d. per ton?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, but I am glad to hear it.