§ Mr. PULLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the great damage done by the Government timber contractors to the roads of this country; whether the Government accept responsibility for this; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in order that these roads may be placed in a good state of repair with as little delay as possible?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked to reply to this. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.1694W As regards the second, authority has been given to the Joint Roads Committee to settle on an ex-gratia basis claims for damage caused, prior to 31st July, 1919, by extraordinary traffic for Government purposes, subject to adjustment with the Local Authorities and the hauliers of the expenditure incurred. The damage is being repaired as rapidly as possible.