§ 68. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that at Blackfriars Bridge the granite setts are being removed and wooden blocks put in their place, whereas at the Elephant and Castle wooden blocks are being removed and granite setts put down instead; and if he will state the reasons for making these changes?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn each of the two cases referred to by the hon. Member the existing paving was due for renewal, and the highway authorities concerned in one case preferred to renew with wooden blocks and in the other with granite setts. I may point out that the nature of the traffic in the two places is not the same. At Blackfriars Bridge it is mainly through traffic, and at the Elephant and Castle slow moving cross traffic.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the two places in question are under one authority. That is what I want to know?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir. One is under the City of London, and the other under the Borough of Southwark.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat is the reason for all this chopping and changing about that is going on?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Member will agree with me that this is a matter primarily for the local authority to decide.
Mr. SANDEMANMay I ask if there is any advice given to local authorities as to the way they mend their roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe general practice is to leave this matter to the decision of the local authority. But, undoubtedly, if the Department strongly dissented from any action taken, it could make representations because for certain roads they find a proportion of the cost.
§ Mr. THORNEHas the right hon. Gentleman got any control over local authorities when ripping up these roads from time to time, and has he attempted to advise them to have continuous work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another question.