27. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Transport whether he is availing himself of the provisions of last year's Act to experiment with road surfaces by grant from the Road Fund; and, if so, what has been the result of the experiments and where they are situated?
§ The MINISTER OF TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)Arrangements have been made to lay experimental lengths of road surface on the New Barnet bypass in the counties of Middlesex and Hertfordshire. Other experiments will probably be conducted on new arterial roads in Essex and Kent. Any indication of results must necessarily be deferred until the experimental sections have been subjected to traffic for a considerable period.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONCan the Minister say whether the actual cost of these experiments will fall upon the Road Fund, or whether the local authorities in the areas will be asked to pay in support of them?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think I ought to have notice of that question, but my impression is that it will all fall upon the Road Fund.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the experimental section at Acton has been a success?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir.