asked the Minister of Transport whether the statement made by Sir Henry Maybury that the whole balance and revenue of the Road Fund up till 1931, amounting to £120,000,000, has already been allocated, was made with the authority of the Minister; if so, how much of this amount is earmarked for new construction and how much for unclassified rural roads; and whether the scheme will be placed before Parliament for sanction?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the evidence given by Sir Henry Maybury before the Royal Commission on Local Government. The statement then made that as far as could be foreseen, the existing commitments would absorb the whole of the present balance and the revenues of the Road Fund up to the year 1930–31 was made with my authority. The general position as regards commitments is explained in the Road Fund Report for 1923–24, and fuller details will appear in the Annual Report for the year 1924–26 which will be presented to Parliament shortly. The allocations are made year by year with Treasury approval. As regards the provision to be made for unclassified rural roads during 1925–26, I am afraid I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant friend on the 16th June.

Brigadier-General C. BROWN:

Is the Ministry allowed to sanction a programme of spending money without the sanction of Parliament?

I have charge of the Road Fund. I have to get the sanction of the Treasury before I incur any expenditure.