§ 39. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Transport, with regard to his order that footpaths with concrete curbs are being put down along main roads in country districts on which improvement schemes are being carried out, whether any and, if so, how many county councils have objected to this procedure; and whether, in future, he will allow county councils to decide whether these footpaths are necessary or not?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThere is no general order that curbs of concrete or any other material shall be laid, as part of the improvement schemes to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but it is my policy to require that due provision shall be made for the safety and convenience of foot passengers, and for lateral support of the carriageway. This frequently necessitates the use of a curb. I think I may say that there is a general consensus of opinion in favour of this course, and very few objections have reached me from county councils or other public bodies.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEHas not the right hon. Gentleman received protests from the Devon County Council about this being imposed upon them, and does he not think they are the best judges?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt is not imposed upon them. They have consented to it.
§ Mr. R. HUDSONIs there any evidence that these footpaths are ever used?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, certainly. I think the footpaths are good from the pedestrians' point of view, and are also a convenience to the motorists.
§ Mr. MARCHWill the right hon. Gentleman get the county council to make the footpaths suitable for people to walk upon At present they would sooner walk on the road than on the path.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs my right hon. Friend aware it was stated when the Devon County Council met last neck that protests had been made about footpaths, and will he reconsider the matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI will inquire into it.