§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state for England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, the total Grants made from the Road Improvement Fund to date; what basis of distribution as between the three divisions of the United Kingdom has been adopted; and how much of the money allocated has been paid to the highway authorities to the present time?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe total Grants indicated to highway authorities in England and Wales up to 31st January last amounted to £2,856,421, of which Grants amounting to £1,453,234 have been formally made, and £877,528 has been paid1140W under them. The corresponding figures for Scotland are £338,003, £209,639, and £133,022, and for Ireland £259,098, £112,152, and £63,860. The amount available for advances, after setting aside a reserve for purposes of special works to be carried out mainly during a period of trade depression (which sum is being employed meanwhile in short loans) is at the present time distributed over the United Kingdom in the following proportions:-
England and Wales 82.0 per cent. Scotland 11.0 per cent. Ireland 7.0 per cent.