Mr. PRESTONasked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the question of the percentage grant hitherto made of the actual expenditure on Class 1 and Class 2 roads; whether he is aware of the growing local demand that any road, whatever its classification, should receive a grant of not less than 50 per cent. of the expenditure involved in its maintenance; and whether he will take action accordingly?
§ Colonel ASHLEY:I am aware of general demands for increases and extensions of grant percentages, and although I cannot hold out hopes of such far-reaching concessions as my hon. Friend suggests, I would point out that there is a progressive increase in the length of highways benefiting from Road Fund grants, and that this policy of gradual expansion will be pursued.