HC Deb 21 December 1954 vol 535 cc2574-5
17. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the power to vary the rate of grants to roads of different classes and to give grants to roads which are not now eligible in Scotland is being included among the powers to be transferred to him from the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.

Mr. J. Stuart

It is proposed that all the powers of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in relation to the maintenance and improvement of Scottish roads should be transferred.

Mr. Grimond

Does not that mean that the Secretary of State will have the power to vary the rate of grant? Will he have the power to deal with the very serious problems of unclassified roads in the Highland area?

Mr. Stuart

So far as unclassified roads are concerned, I shall have the power to do whatever I am permitted to do. [Laughter.] I said that all the functions of my right hon. Friend will be transferred. But as to the rates of grant, I cannot say that I can vary the 75 per cent. on Class I roads or the 60 per cent. on Class II roads unless these rates are varied throughout the country.

Mr. Ross

The right hon. Gentleman says that he will do all that he is permitted to do, but who grants him permission?

Mr. Stuart

When the powers are transferred from the Minister of Transport to me I shall take them over.

Mr. Callaghan

On the question of reclassification, I appreciate that the right hon. Gentleman cannot vary the rate of grant, but will the transfer of powers enable him to reclassify roads as Class I, II, or III roads, respectively?

Mr. Stuart

In so far as powers exist whereby roads are periodically altered and moved up to Class I, for example, those powers will continue under me.