§ Mr. BLACKasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the putting of the Harborough rural district roads into effective repair would cause an increase in the district rate of not less than 6s. in the £, and would thereby increase the rent charged to the agricultural labourers, in receipt of wages of 27s. per week, by from 9d. to 1s. 6d. per week; and whether he will give an adequate grant to the rural district concerned and to other councils in similar circumstances?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI believe the calculations in the first part of the hon. Member's question are based on the assumption that all the works would be paid for out of revenue during the course of one financial year. By means of a loan the expenditure could, of course, be spread over a number of years. Large sums have been specially set aside for the improvement of roads in rural areas, and grants of £5,090 have been made to the Market Harborough Rural District Council in respect of works estimated to cost £7,637.