§ Mr. DORANasked the Minister of Transport if he will now consider granting to local authorities or private contractors facilities for trying out new surfacing materials; and can he state the policy which his Department is pursuing in regard to county councils and road maintenance?
§ Mr. PYBUSIn suitable cases my Department gives financial assistance towards the cost incurred by local authorities in the practical testing of new surfacing materials. Maintenance grants are normally made to county councils at the rate of 60 per cent. for Class I roads and 50 per cent. for Class II roads.