§ Mr. Holtasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total amount of money spent on the maintenance of roads in the United Kingdom in the years 1951–52 and 1952–53, by local government authorities and by central government, respectively, and what is the estimated expenditure under the same headings for the current year, 1953–54; and within these figures what was the amount specifically allocated for the removal of black spots.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe amounts spent on the maintenance and minor improvement of roads in Great Britain in 1951–52 and 1952–53 were approximately as follows:
— By Local Authorities From Road Fund Total (£'000) (£'000) (£'000) 1951–52 33,300 23,700 57,000 1952–53 34,700 25,800 60,500 The estimated figures for the current year are:
92W
By Local Authorities From Road Fund Total (£'000) (£'000) (£'000) 33,800* 27,900 61,400 * Very approximate since complete figures are not available till well after the end of the financial year. No specific allocation was made for the removal of black spots within these figures, though an allocation was made for that purpose within the figures for major improvements in the years 1952–53 and 1953–54.
§ Mr. Holtasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give an assurance that the level of expenditure on the maintenance of roads, whether by local or central government, will be maintained at not less than the present rate whilst the extra £50 million is being spent on road improvement and construction.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI certainly expect that this will be the case, though I cannot answer for local authorities.