§ Sir E. ILIFFEasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he has funds available for further grants to those works of arterial road construction which are urgent if the land is to be secured in advance of building development;
(2) whether the restriction on grants to works of road widening has now been removed; and whether he is now encouraging authorities to put forward applications for advances towards urgent 830W schemes of widenings with which they are anxious to proceed?
§ Colonel W. ASHLEYIn reply to these two questions, I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcements made in this House during the Debate on the Finance Bill, regarding allocations to be made from the Road Fund during the current financial year. Any applications received from local authorities for advances towards such works will receive careful consideration, with due regard to the total sum available for distribution.
§ Sir E. ILIFFEasked the Minister of Transport whether the grant promised to the Middlesex County Council for the western section of the Western Avenue has yet been formally made; and, if not, when will it be made, so that this work, for which tenders were invited last January, may be put in hand without further delay?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have informed the Middlesex County Council that, while I do not consider the present an opportune time to proceed with the actual construction of this section of the road, I am prepared to assist the Council in the immediate acquisition of land where necessary, so that the line of route may be safeguarded until such time as it is convenient to undertake the works.