§ 68. Mr. P. Freemanasked the Minister of Transport how many mechanically propelled vehicles were on the roads as at 31st May, 1951; what is the percentage increase over the corresponding figure for 1950; and how far the improvement in the provision of better and wider roads is proportionate to this figure.
§ Mr. BarnesParticulars of mechanically-propelled vehicles licensed at 31st May, 1951, are not yet available. The number of vehicles with licences current on 28th February, 1951, was 3,932,617, this being 99,108 or about 2½ per cent. greater than the number on 28th February, 1950. I estimate that total expenditure this year on the maintenance, improvement and construction of roads will show an increase over last year more than proportionate to the increase in the number of vehicles. I cannot at present give the precise figure.