§ 58. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the section of the Southend arterial road from Woodford to Ilford is now one of the worst pieces of main road in West Essex; and why this road, so recently constructed, has so rapidly deteriorated?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon)This road is for a great part of its length carried on high earth embankments over low-lying ground, and the final surfacing of the carriage- 402 way has necessarily to be postponed until the embankments have become thoroughly Consolidated. Owing to the nature of the materials it is inconsistent with sound engineering practice to give final surfacing to any road or embankments until time has effected this consolidation. In this case the embankments are approaching a condition in which the final surfacing would become possible.
§ Mr. ATTLEEWhen are we likely to have a proper road there?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONIn about a year.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEis there any guarantee by the contractors in regard to keeping the road in proper order?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONThe road has not been taken over. It is on their responsibility still.