§ 71. Viscount ELVEDENasked the Minister of Transport whether exceptional difficulties have occurred to account for the long delay in the completion of the London to Southend toad; and when it is anticipated this road will be open for traffic?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Gosling)There have been certain exceptional difficulties in connection with the construction of this road, due partly to the nature of the soil and the prolonged wet weather. The section between Southend and Rayleigh will be open to traffic this week, and other sections nearer London will be completed shortly. It is not likely, however, that the whole road will be open to traffic till about the end of September.
§ Viscount ELVEDENWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the repairs to the present roads between Rayleigh and Witham, which are in a very bad state?
§ Mr. HOFFMANWill the hon. Gentleman consider the question of employing local labour upon this road, in order to expedite the work?
§ Mr. P. HARRISIs it not the fact that the London County Council are bearing half the cost of the wages of the men employed, and that, therefore, London men are entitled to be at work there?