HC Deb 09 May 1934 vol 289 cc1076-7
23. Sir GIFFORD FOX

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the gradual curtailment of grass margins, mostly due to road widening, which has deprived pedestrians and horse users of safe accommodation on the highways; and what steps he has taken in all cases to ensure that when roads are widened the interests of the two classes of the community are looked after?

Mr. STANLEY

I warned all local authorities in a circular issued on 6th February last, of which I am supplying my hon. Friend with a copy, that Road Fund grants would be withheld from operations of the kind he describes.

28. Mr. JOEL

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of his circular of February last notifying local authorities that unless adequate alternative provision is made for pedestrians in narrow country roads the Road Fund grants towards resurfacing the carriageways in question will be withheld, such grants have been withheld in any specific cases; and whether he will state which they are?

Mr. STANLEY

Since the issue of the circular of 6th February, 1934, no case has been brought to my notice in which a highway authority, in resurfacing, has encroached upon the grass verge or footway, and no question of withholding of grant has, therefore, arisen, but the Ministry's divisional engineers have instructions to watch the matter closely.