§ 30. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Transport whether he has now re-examined a proposal from rural counties for an increase in the rates of grants for classified roads in the poorer and smaller counties, in view of the increased traffic in counties like Radnor, with a big mileage of roads in comparison with both its population and rateable value.
§ Mr. MarplesNo such proposal has recently been made to me. I am aware of the difficulties of some rural counties, but I doubt whether assistance to them, at the expense of other highway authorities, would command general support.
§ Mr. WatkinsWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "recently"? I wrote a letter to the Department in October, 1959, the reply to which was not very satisfactory. I wonder whether the Minister will look at that letter and at the communication from the Radnorshire County Council and bear in mind 460 the mileage and expenditure per head of population in Radnorshire compared with that in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. MarplesI will again carefully look at the hon. Gentleman's letter which was sent in 1959. But he must remember that increased traffic is not confined to Radnorshire. It applies to the whole of the country. It might, therefore, be unfair to give Radnorshire a bigger grant at the expense of other places.