§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will inform the House in what manner companies running motor omnibuses in London and the suburbs contribute towards the upkeep of the roads; what was the total sum contributed by these companies last year (1913); and whether, looking to the amount of damage done to road surfaces by these vehicles, ho will consider the desirability of taking steps, by legislation or otherwise, to secure that these companies should pay their fair share of the cost of upkeep of the roads?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELCompanies running motor omnibuses, so far as they are in occupation of rateable premises, contribute as ratepayers to the upkeep of roads, and further contributions in respect of Motor Spirit and Carriage Licence Duty are made to the cost of roads under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and the 597W Revenue Act, 1911, but the total sum so contributed cannot be distinguished. As regards the last part of the question, the recommendations of the Local Taxation Committee on the subject are under consideration.