§ 63. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that insignificant lanes throughout the country are being treated with grit and tar, and, in view of the grave shortage of agricultural labour, will he have this unnecessary work stopped forthwith?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Montague)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) on 5th June. The circular therein referred to has now been issued. 1384 If my hon. Friend has any particular spot in mind where, in his view, unnecessary work is being done, and will communicate with me, I shall be glad to have inquiries made.
§ Sir Joseph NallWas it not the case that in the last war many roads became broken up and impassable? Is it not in the interest of transport that roads should be maintained in proper order?
§ Mr. MontagueThat point is met in the answer to which I have referred.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWill the hon. Member look into the case of a number of local authorities who are still insisting on private roads being made up?
§ Mr. MontagueIf the hon. Member cares to see the circular, which is rather a long one, I shall be happy to show it to him.