HC Deb 19 May 1947 vol 437 cc208-9W
92. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Transport why the Norfolk County Council's estimate of £24o,955 for Class III roads has been cut by his Department by 53 per cent. to £114,000 for grant purposes; and if he is aware that the £114,000 will barely cover the cost of routine maintenance on Class III roads in Norfolk.

Mr. Barnes

I am aware of the figures quoted by my hon. Friend in regard to Norfolk, and with his permission I will refer him to the answer I am giving to Question No. 96 in relation to classified roads generally.

95. Mr. Symonds

asked the Minister of Transport what preliminary warning he gave to local authorities of his intention drastically to reduce expenditure on classified roads in the current year; and on what grounds he came to such a decision.

Mr. Barnes

The county surveyors were given as early an indication as possible of the amount of their allocations. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Leicester (Mr. Janner) on 5th May and to the answers I am giving to Questions 92 and 96 today, of which I ant sending him copies.

96. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Transport if he has reconsidered the grants to county councils for the maintenance of classified roads in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Barnes

The grants so far indicated to county councils were based on the provision made in the Road Fund estimate already presented to Parliament. Since that estimate was prepared the highway authorities have been faced with a heavy burden of additional and unforeseen expenditure on snow clearance and the repair of extensive damage caused by frost and flood. I have reviewed the position so created with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and to help meet this additional burden it has been decided to increase the funds available for grants towards the maintenance of classified roads during this financial year. I am instructing my officers to open discussions with the highway authorities as to the work to be undertaken under this arrangement.

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