Mr. T. MORRISasked the Minister of Transport whether the nationalisation of certain main roads indicates any diminution of the grants made in respect of roads not so taken over; and whether he can make a statement as to any anticipated extra annual charge on the revenue of his department entailed by such nationalisation?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI would refer my hon. Friend to the assurances given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and myself in the course of Debates on the Finance Act of this year, to the effect that there is no intention of curtailing the Five-Year Programme of the highway authorities and that no restraint will be imposed within the limits of the programme. The Government has no intention of regarding the assumption of responsibility for trunk roads as a ground for reducing the rates of grant now given towards the maintenance of the rest of the highway system. I am unable to make any statement at this stage regarding the costs that will fall upon national funds.