THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT K>5

ordinary activities the Government is entitled, and expected,
to carry out the policy of the party to which it belongs; but the
B.B,C. must give scope to minorities who disagree with the
Government. The problem of securing control by the people,
that shall not become control by die majority party, is not yet
solved. One plan worth examination would be the appointment
of a permanent Committee of M.P.S—and, perhaps, of
representatives of the holders of wireless licences—to advise
the Director.

THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT.

The two chief activities of this Department are the control of
Roads and Railways. Road Transport was at one time the
concern, partly of local authorities, and partly of private com-
panies. The growth of trade, and the increase of motor traffic
have made the task of maintaining proper roads increasingly
expensive; and so more suitable for control by the Central
Government. To-day all main roads are under the direct control
of the Minister of Transport. The money required to repair
and develop them comes from the taxes paid by private motorists
and commercial vehicles. Until 1936 these taxes formed a
separate Fund, but Chancellors of the Exchequer, short of
money to balance the Budget, frequently "raided" the Fund, to
the indignation of motorists. The taxes and the expense of roads
now go into the national accounts with the other items of income
and expenditure; but it is,probable that there will still be some
relation between the amount that owners of vehicles pay and
the benefit that they receive. The amount of road development
is not, therefore, determined by the Minister of Transport,
but by the Chancellor. The Minister does, however, decide
what use shall be made of the money at his disposal, whether on
the roads under his control or by making grants to local
authorities. He can obtain from the Development Commission
power to compel landowners to sell land needed for roads at a
reasonable price.