asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of (i) the increased revenues derived from motor taxation, petrol tax, excise and customs duties on mechanically-propelled vehicles and parts thereof; (ii) the increased traffic on and the deterioration of the roads, and (iii) the total financial inability of the ratepayers to meet this position, he will consider increasing the road grants to local authorities by the amount of the total increased revenue collected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Grants to Local Authorities.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the total amount allocated to local authorities by way of road grant for the financial year 1951-52.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 91 together. Local authorities are being notified that Road Fund grants for road works for 1951-52 will be on the same scale as those for the present financial year. They will consist of a county road improvement grant of £1,200,000, a main road improvement grant of £600,000, and a main road upkeep grant of 40 per cent. of the approved expenditure on the upkeep of main roads.
This is the maximum allocation for the works programmes in question which can be made available from the Road Fund, which does not receive the revenue from the excise duties on petrol and the customs duties on mechanically-propelled vehicles and parts.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the increased revenue from road users when compared with 1945-46 is over £5,600,000 and in view of that increased revenue paid for the use of the roads, does he not think that the amount should be increased for the relief of the burden on the ratepayers to keep the roads in order?
I do not agree.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply I suggest that we get an opportunity of discussing this on the Adjournment also.