HC Deb 29 January 1929 vol 224 c751
23. Viscount SANDON

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that the work is already partially carried out, he will provide the necessary funds to complete the by-pass road at West Auckland, in Durham, in view of the four facts that every penny hitherto spent on it is otherwise wasted, its abandonment during construction has created great un tidiness, the local unemployment situation is severe, and the existing road is dangerous owing to sharp bends; and whether he can say what is the cause of the present position?

Colonel ASHLEY

In July last I offered to the Durham County Council a grant at the rate of 50 per cent. towards the cost of land acquisition and fencing; on the 10th of the present month I intimated a grant at the same rate towards the cost of road construction and improvement.

Mr. PALIN

Was any condition made like that imposed upon other authorities that 50 per cent. of those employed must be imported from another area?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not think so, but I will inquire.