§ 26. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Transport what is the present position of the arterial road developments in Wiltshire and especially the widening of the Bath road; and what steps are being taken, in the interests of economy, to cancel or postpone these developments?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe position of road improvement schemes in Wiltshire is that work on the London-Exeter road has not yet been commenced. In the case of the London-Bath road, contracts have been let for two sections estimated to cost £48,775 and £54,516 respectively. Eighty per cent. of the work on the first section has been done and work on the other was recently commenced. With regard to the second part of the question, my hon. Friend is meeting representatives of the County Councils Association this after- 834 noon to consult with them as to expenditure on road developments generally in view of the need of economy.
§ Mr. HURDIs the hon. Gentleman's Department in touch with the county council of Wiltshire in order to see whether there may not be some substantial slowing down?
§ Mr. GILLETTI have no doubt that the county council or the association with which they are connected will be communicated with.
§ Mr. LAWTHERIs it real economy to throw men on the Poor Law instead of giving them employment?