§ Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Transport how much of the Road Fund during the last five years has been devoted to assisting the upkeep of purely rural roads?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYUnder the ordinary classification scheme, the following grants have been made to rural district councils in England and Wales in 2073W respect of rural roads other than main roads:
£ 1921–22 … 342,123 1922–23 … 425,125 1923–24 … 358,898 1924–25 … 352,582 1925–26 (eight months) … 321,887 In addition, classification grants are given in respect of rural roads maintained by county councils and other authorities, but I am unable to give figures separately. In 1923 and subsequently, special additional allocations (as indicated below) were made from the Road Fund to local authorities in England and Wales for districts essentially rural in character:—
2074W
£ 1923–24 … … 1,250,000 1924–25 … … 1,000,000 1925–26 … … 2,000,000 Total … … 4,250,000 Up to the 27th November, 1925, the grants actually made out of this total of 4½ millions amounted to £3,714,414.
§ Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any applications from rural district councils for grants to assist them to abolish gates across public Highways in their area; and, if so, whether he will consider making a grant from the Road Fund for this purpose?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYI have received a few such applications, which usually involve an insignificant expenditure on the removal of the gates, but a large outlay on the erection of fences along the highway. Generally speaking, in view of the more urgent demands on the Road Fund I do not consider that this can be classed within the purposes suitable for grants.