§ 64. Sir J. POWERasked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to prevent, in future, delays to the opening of new roads similar to those which retarded the opening of the Kingston by-pass road?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe new arterial roads round London were put in hand as a means of affording immediate employment where it could be offered and without in all cases full opportunity of conducting preliminary negotiations, and it is not surprising that some delays have occurred. As my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, special difficulties arose in connection with the Kingston by-pass owing to the presence of an unusual number of large engineering structures, such as bridges.
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe circumstances of the case. The Government of the day desired immediate employment to be given to the unemployed in London and surrounding districts, and the work had to be put into operation at once, and, therefore, there was not time for the usual preliminary investigation.