§ 59. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that his refusal to make grants towards the construction of new roads and towards road improvement schemes unless footpaths are provided forces county councils to provide these paths in places where they consider them to be unnecessary; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will in future leave it to the local authorities to decide as to the necessity of these paths?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)Having regard to the ever increasing volume of vehicular traffic on roads, in making grants to improvement schemes I require that due consideration should be given to the safety and convenience of pedestrians. The necessity for footpaths must vary widely in different localities, and I attach full importance to the views expressed thereon by the highway authorities.
§ Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND - TROYTEMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not a fact that the Ministry has refused grants to the Devon County Council for new construction and their trunk road schemes unless these paths are made in places where they are not wanted and will never be used, thereby adding 10 per cent. to the cost of construction, and does he not think that county councillors who know their districts are better judges than officials in London?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe only objection taken is in connection with one short section of road. My policy is that, except in quite rural areas in the country, or where there is grass, where large reconstructions are taking place, footpaths should be provided.
§ Mr. MARCHWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration putting decent footpaths on new roads, such as the new Romford Road?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must put that question down.