HC Deb 03 May 1960 vol 622 cc859-60
9. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for giving assistance to the Scottish counties of cities for improving and maintaining classified roads.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Schemes for improving classified roads in the counties of cities are eligible for grant on the same conditions as major improvements on classified roads in Scotland generally. As regards maintenance, my right hon. Friend is precluded under the terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, from giving assistance to the counties of cities and other large burghs for maintaining classified roads within their boundaries.

Mr. Willis

Is the hon. Member aware that that is a very unsatisfactory Answer and that I am asking whether or no he will do anything about this? Is he aware that the cost to the cities in connection with improving and maintaining these roads is leaping up year by year and is becoming quite an intolerable burden on the local ratepayers? Will not he look at this problem again?

Mr. Macpherson

A settlement was reached, as the hon. Member knows, a long time ago on this, and before any change was made it would be necessary to consider any propoals against the general background of local government finance.

M. Hoy

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that owing to the ever-increasing cost it is absolutely impossible for the cities to maintain the roads in the state they ought to be in and that that is a further point? In view of this, will not he look at the matter again?

Mr. Macpherson

Certainly I shall ask my right hon. Friend to look at it again, but I am afraid that I cannot give any commitment.

Mr. Willis

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Edinburgh Town Council has asked him to look at this?

Mr. Macpherson

I think that the next Question relates to that.