§ 18. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what changes in the present system of highway grants he intends to make; in which financial year they will take effect; and, so far as county councils are concerned, what will be the difference in the amount of grant to be received as compared with the year 1955–56.
§ Mr. WatkinsonMy review of the present system of highway grants will be undertaken as part of the general review of local government finance. I shall discuss my proposals in due course with the local authorities concerned, and until that has been done I cannot say what changes will be made or what their effect will be.
§ Mr. DyeWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the rising cost of making and maintaining roads and the enormous contribution which the motorists make to the Treasury, and divert some more of that towards road maintenance and improvement and not so much from the local rates?