§ 9. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that his Department agreed, early in 1939, to make a grant of 75 per cent. towards the net cost of widening High Street and London Road, Romford, including the purchase of those parts of properties demolished which would subsequently have been sold at an enhanced price as having a frontage on the widened highway; that the war made the completion of the scheme impossible after £84,000 had been spent; that his Department now, by refusing any grant save for land actually required for widening, have placed Romford's finances in difficulty; and whether he will carry out the original promise made?
§ The Minister of Transport (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon)I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to this matter, on which there has been some misunderstanding. Grant will be paid in respect of all the land and property which the council have acquired for the purpose of the approved scheme, or to the purchase of which they were committed when the scheme was suspended after the outbreak of war, and the council have been so informed. I understand that the amount expended on property up to 31st March, 1940 was £64,658, but some adjustment of this sum will be required in respect of income received, and certain charges not yet taken into account.