§ 17. Lord A. THYNNEasked the Postmaster-General whether the attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to the extraordinary expenses which have been incurred by local authorities in repairing highways by reason of the damage caused by the excessive weight of the Post Office vans used by, or in consequence of the orders of, the Postmaster-General; and whether his Department have considered the desirability of entering into an agreement with the local authorities concerned for the payment of a composition in respect of such weight or extraordinary traffic, as contemplated by Section 23 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act, 1878?
§ Captain NORTONI am not aware of any recent or specific representation from any local authority on this subject, nor am I aware of any extraordinary expense such as is contemplated by the Act quoted having been incurred through mail vans. I am further advised that the Act quoted does not bind the Crown, so that in no circumstances could a situation arise such as is contemplated by the Noble Lord.
§ Lord A. THYNNEDo I understand that the Crown is in a different position to that of the ordinary private contractor in regard to this liability?
§ Captain NORTONYes, Sir, that is so, and this question is one for the Road Board.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYDoes the hon. Member mean to say that the Crown are going to shelter themselves behind this privilege in order to avoid a fair contribution towards the expenses of the roads?
§ Captain NORTONYes, Sir, I think that will be so. [An HON. MEMBER: "That is thoroughly Radical!"]