I propose to circulate, in the Official Report, a tabular statement setting out, for the years 1989 to 1991 inclusive, the block grants allocated specifically for the maintenance of regional and county roads and the amounts per kilometre which the grants represent in each case. During this period, county councils were also allocated block grants for the improvement of regional and county roads, supplementary discretionary grants for the improvement of these roads and discretionary grants in respect of damage to these roads due to severe weather.
Prior to 1989, grants were not allocated specifically for the maintenance of regional and county roads. The system of grants then in operation involved the allocation of a single block grant, to each County Council, which supplemented the local authority's own resources for the improvement and maintenance of regional roads and for the improvement of county roads. The grants could not be applied to the maintenance of county roads.
As regards the second part of the question I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 175 of 23 April 1991.
Tabular Statement