Mr. W. A. JENKINSasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the ever-increasing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of district roads, particularly the more important roads linking up main roads, he will consider the making of an annual grant from the Road fund of at least 50 per cent. of all excess expenditure upon roads over pre-War standard?
§ Mr. GOSLINGWithout entering into the merits of the basis of distribution proposed by the hon. Member, grants on the scale suggested in the question would render it impossible, with the funds at present available, to continue the assistance now given to highway authorities for the maintenance and improvement of Class I and Class II roads and bridges. As the hon. Member is aware, a special allocation has been made during the current financial year for the purpose of improving rural roads, and further provision is to be found during 1924–25.