§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury what amount of money was paid by the Road Board in the years 1911 and 1912, respectively, for road improvement in Scotland, and how much by way of Grant and how much by way of loan; whether the counties so benefited had to pay a certain percentage of the cost of these improvements, and, if so, what percentage; and whether the Road Beard proposes to relax this system in the case of poor counties in Scotland with a widespread area and subject to exceptionally severe floods?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe actual sums paid in Grants to highway authorities in Scotland in the financial years ending the 31st March, 1912, and 31st March, 1913, were £40,931 and £45,987, respectively. In the financial year ending the 31st March, 1913, the sum of £5,713 was advanced by way of loan. I understand1872W that the practice of the Road Board is to contribute a varying percentage towards the cost of proposed improvements, after consideration of all the circumstances of the particular case and with regard to the funds available, and it would not be possible, in fairness to other applicants, to contribute the whole cost in certain cases.