36. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Transport whether his recent pronouncement in favour of the nationalisation of the great main roads of the country represents the views of the Government on this matter; and, if so, how soon will he be prepared to relieve local authorities from the financial responsibilities connected with the provision and maintenance of main roads?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe remarks to which the hon. Member refers were made in connection with a scheme for a great new road, and I referred to the fact that individual localities could not bear the whole cost of great new schemes. This view is in accordance with present policy by which the Road Fund makes large contributions to the cost of new road construction. In calling attention to the need for national assistance for important arterial routes, my speech was not intended to announce any new policy.
Mr. THOMSONAre we to understand that the hon. Gentleman is not correctly reported when he is stated to have said that he has been driven to the conclusion that our great main roads would have to be nationalised.
§ Mr. GOSLINGThe hon. Member must take into account all I said and not quote a part of it.