Mr. RICHARDSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware of the discontent existing amongst members of road autho- 583W rities relative to grants in aid not being made for the upkeep of roads linking up the main roads; and whether he will now consider the question of making grants equal to 50 per cent. of all excess expenditure upon roads over the pre-War standard from the Road Fund?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE - BRABAZONWithout entering into the merits of the basis of distribution proposed by the hon. Member, grants on the scale suggested in the question would render it impossible, with the funds at present available, to continue the assistance now given to highway authorities for the maintenance and improvement of Class I and Class II roads and bridges. As the hon. Member is aware, a special allocation has been made during the current financial year for the purpose of improving rural roads, and further provision is to be found during 1924–25.