asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the declared policy of the Government that new internal projects calling for major additions to expenditure are not in the present circumstances possible, he will refuse the 60 per cent. grant for the by-pass road round Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, the cost of which is estimated at £1,600,000 exclusive of land purchase?

I understand that the Kent County Council hope shortly to submit a plan of the proposed by-pass for my approval under the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act; and, if necessary, a public inquiry will be held. If a plan is approved and restrictions are subsequently applied the effect will be to safeguard the route against development.The construction of the by-pass, however, will not be put in hand until a further submission is made to me for a grant from the Road Fund and, in considering the application, regard will be had to the degree of urgency of the proposal in relation to the other calls upon the national resources.