HC Deb 01 December 1965 vol 721 cc195-6W
Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the financial burden being imposed on local authorities as a result of the erection of new Continental road signs; and if he will grant-aid such local authorities, including large burghs, who will bear the brunt of this change in national policy.

Mr. Tom Fraser

The erection of road signs is part of the maintenance and minor improvement work on highways which, for classified roads in counties, is eligible for grant. But neither my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales nor I have power to make such grants in large burghs and county boroughs. The Government, however, are currently reviewing the whole question of central and local government finance, including highway grants.