§ Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the heavy burden of local rates, he will cease utilising the Road Fund for the construction of new roads and bridges and concentrate 1268W on assisting local authorities in the maintenance and improvement of existing roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn view of the continuous growth of traffic a reasonable expenditure on the widening of existing roads, the construction of new bridges, and of bye-pass and other new roads, is necessary to prevent the overloading and congestion of existing roads. Local authorities require assistance in carrying out these necessary works as well as in maintenance.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with reference to his recent statement to local authorities on the Road Fund, it is intended to limit fresh expenditure on the construction of new roads and bridges over and above those to which the Ministry of Transport is already committed during the next two or three years; and whether he can give an undertaking that existing commitments will be carried out?
§ Mr. BARKERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received resolutions passed by the Monmouthshire County Council and the Newport County Borough Council, stating that in their opinion the whole of the income from motor taxation should be used for the improvement and maintenance of roads; and will he give these resolutions his serious consideration?
§ Mr. R. McNEILLI would refer the hon. Members to the reply given on 9th February to similar questions on this subject.