§ 37. Sir GEORGE PENNYasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the low price of rubber, its known durability and its sound-deadening properties, he will consider the possibility of making wider uses of this commodity and help employment in distressed areas by starting schemes of roadmaking made of this material?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI have been asked to reply. I understand there has been a considerable reduction in the price of rubber paving blocks, but that the cost is still very high compared with other suitable paving materials. The choice of materials is primarily a matter for the highway authority concerned; but, in view of the higher initial cost of rubber my hon. Friend cannot urge its wider use in unemployment works.
§ Sir G. PENNYWill the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Minister of Transport to consult the local authorities, in view of the admitted damage to buildings by vibration, to see whether this cannot be done in certain places in certain areas, and also on certain bridges where much damage is caused by vibration?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI will convey that suggestion to my hon. Friend.