asked the Minister for Local Government if grants in respect of the improvement of roads are to be increased this year as local authorities are at present striking rates and are anxious to know what is the position.

I hope to be in a position in the near future to advise local authorities of the grants to be allocated from the Road Fund in respect of the financial year 1965-66. At this stage, however, it is not possible for me to say what increases, if any, may be made in particular grants.