§ Mr. Holdsworthasked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the total amount of expenditure in 1937 on road construction and major improvements, respectively; and whether he will give the figure for the total expenditure on roads?
§ Mr. BurginThe total expenditure incurred by highway authorities on roads and bridges during the year ended 31st March, 1937, amounted to £58½ millions, of which £13½ millions was incurred on road and bridge construction and major improvements. Figures for the calendar year 1937 and for the financial year 1937–38 are not yet available.
Colonel Sandeman Allenasked the Minister of Transport whether, in considering the programmes of prospective works involving capital expenditure to be submitted by the local authorities in response to Circular No. 1687, he will bear in mind the need for considering the proposals for new roads and road improvements in the area of each authority in relation to a general plan of road construction and improvement in the surrounding areas; and whether, with this object in view, he will take steps to make available to the local authorities information as to the priority of works in the programme of trunk road improvements and in the road schemes of county councils which have been approved for grants from the Road Fund?
§ Mr. BurginThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, information is always given to the county council and to the planning authorities regarding schemes involving the construction of trunk road by-passes or diversions. In430W addition my officers discuss with the local authorities concerned trunk road improvements in contemplation and I am sure that county councils and other highway authorities would be ready to adopt a similar course.