§ 77. Mr. ATKEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for the improvement and reconstruction of many main roads throughout the country: and whether he will lay proposals before the Unemployment Grants Committee so as to secure for this work the maximum possible grant in connection with any schemes to be approved in the near future for the purpose of finding work for the unemployed?
§ Mr. NEALThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am acting in the closest co-operation with the Unemployment Grants Committee.
§ 78. Lieut.-Colonel MORDENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport why the unemployed of Brentford cannot obtain employment on the construction of the great west road through Brentford?
§ Mr. NEALI am informed that by an understanding between the Middlesex 1677 County Council and the contractor, the bulk of the labour required for the first section of the great west road, which lies in Hounslow, has been drawn from that district, but that in the execution of the contract which has been signed for the second section most of the labour will probably be engaged from Brentford.
§ 79. Lieut.-Colonel MORDENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport why no instructions have been given to proceed with the construction of the Chiswick and Brentford portion of the north circular road from Gunnersbury Lane, which is the only section of the road not being proceeded with; and is he aware that this would give much needed employment in Brent-ford and Chiswick for the coming winter?
§ Mr. NEALThe Middlesex County Council are carrying out the arterial road schemes in their area with the financial assistance of the Ministry of Transport. In the event of that council desiring to proceed with any section of the north circular road which has not yet been put in hand, I shall be glad to consider, within the limits of the funds available, any application for assistance.