asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to a resolution passed on 25th May by the Middlesex County Council suggesting a 75 per cent. Government grant towards certain improvement schemes, and recommending further large expenditure on the purchase of land and the issuing of a loan; and, in view of the fact that such internal expenditure is not possible under present circumstances, will he refuse Treasury sanction to these proposals?

As regards the first part of the question, the Middlesex County Council have, I understand, resolved not to proceed with certain major highway improvement schemes unless a 75 per cent, grant is made from the Road Fund. This is, however, in excess of the normal grant to highway authorities for works of this nature, and the Government do not propose to approve any departure from the normal procedure. As regards the latter part of the question, the county council have asked for the sanction of the Minister of Health for a loan to enable them to purchase certain land in connection with the scheme for a Green Belt round London. This application is now under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Is it not the fact that the Treasury have the last word even if the Minister of Health gives his consent.

No, Sir. The consent of the Treasury is not required; it is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Will the Minister resist any pressure from his own back benches that would have the effect of crippling social services and crippling the Green Belt?