HC Deb 30 July 1924 vol 176 cc2055-6
51. Captain BRASS

asked the Minister of Transport if any contracts are in course of completion or have recently been signed for new roads with a surface similar to that of the new Great North Road south of Wansford; and, if so, whether he can see his way to cancel such contracts, having regard to the fact that roads with a smooth surface of that kind are highly dangerous to motor traffic in wet weather?

Mr. GOSLING

I am not in possession of particulars of contracts entered into for the surfacing of new roads throughout the country, nor have I power to cancel such contracts. Instructions have, however, been give to the engineering staff of my Department to call the attention of highway authorities to the matter?

Captain BRASS

Is it not a fact that when the Ministry of Transport provide funds for these roads, they have to go into these contracts, and find out what they cost?

Viscount CURZON

Surely the hon. Gentleman is not going to allow his Department to stand by while the lives and limbs of people are disked owing to the surface of these roads? [Interruption.] They are lorry-workers, who have to earn their living.

52. Captain BRASS

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can inform the House of any experiments carried out by his Department on the new Great North Road after rain, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the road surface in wet weather?

Mr. GOSLING

No experiments have been conducted by my Department on this length of road, but arrangements are being made for the trial of certain expedients designed to imp rave the foothold under adverse weather conditions?

Captain BRASS

Can the hon. Gentleman say what sort of experiments are going to be made, and whether they are going to be made with motor cars, and also with horse-drawn vehicles?

Mr. GOSLING

The difficulty is that the opportunity of making experiments is very limited, because I have not yet very much power, but the experiments will be made by experts.

Captain BRASS

Surely the hon. Gentleman has enough power for his Department to be able to make experiments on the Great North Road now?