§ Mr. PENNYasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of toll-gates, where often excessive charge is made for the facility granted, he will be prepared to favourably consider applications in pursuance of Section 2 of the Roads Improvement Act, 1925, for contributions towards the cost of freeing highways and bridges from the tolls in question; and whether he will take steps to impress upon local authorities the desirability of their exercising the powers given to them for the redemption of tolls by the Highways and Bridges Act of 1891?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhile I am prepared to receive applications from local authorities, no decision has yet been taken as to the measure oil assistance which can be rendered from the Road Fund. On 18th September last a circular was issued by my instructions to all local authorities, calling attention to the provisions of the Roads Improvement Act,306W 1925, and making specific reference to the freeing of roads from tolls. I do not think it necessary to send out any further circular on the subject.