§ 39. Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the increased non-local use of unclassified roads in rural areas by seasonal and holiday traffic, the use of detours by through traffic and the increased population in newly developed rural districts, are throwing an undue burden on district council rates with the result that many such roads are deteriorating through lack of proper maintenance; and if he will arrange for a review and upgrade all such roads to Grade C or arrange for a system of seasonal grants in appropriate cases.
§ Mr. SwinglerWe already pay half the cost of improving and maintaining a large network of rural Class III roads. Any significant increase could only be at the expense of the improvement and maintenance of existing classified roads which function as through routes all the year round. This would not be justified. But we are always ready to consider particular requests for upgrading which meet the standard test.