HC Deb 28 November 1949 vol 470 cc759-60
19. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the total number of motor vehicles in Great Britain is now 4,016,000 as against 3,094,000 in 1938; that expenditure on roads has decreased over the same period from an average of £59 million to £47 million despite greatly increased costs of labour and materials and whether, at an early date, he will consider securing for the Road Fund a larger proportion of the revenue received from this form of taxation to be used on the maintenance and modernisation of the road system of this country.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)

I am aware of the facts to which the hon. Member refers, although I would point out that increased mechanisation has partly off-set increased costs. Expenditure from the Road Fund is limited by the sum voted annually by Parliament. I should welcome a larger provision, but in present economic circumstances I should not feel justified in asking Parliament for more than the essential minimum.

Sir W. Wakefield

But does the Minister not agree that for the country's economy to be efficient it is essential that roads be maintained adequately and modernised to the greatest possible extent?

Mr. Barnes

Yes, I certainly agree with that general view.

Colonel Ropner

Does the right hon. Gentleman also agree that expenditure on freeing toll bridges is permissible?

Mr. Barnes

That was one of the directions in which the Chancellor indicated that I must secure economies.