§ 30. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the practice of top dressing roads, particularly on bends, with loose stone, grit, or sand; and whether he will take steps to ensure that all such top dressings are properly rolled in, and all excessive loose material, liable to promote dry skidding, swept away?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWithin the last week I have issued to the Department's Divisional Road Engineers instructions to impress on highway authorities the importance of the matter referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, although he will appreciate the difficulties that arise in the present hot weather.
§ Captain STRICKLANDIs my right hon. Friend aware of the extraordinary danger that lies in this form of dressing, as exemplified by the fact that I had my own windscreen smashed by a stone, and had there been a motor-cyclist following there would have been a most serious accident?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am sure the whole House will concur with me in regretting my hon. and gallant Friend's accident. My circular is sufficiently strong on the point. I will show it to my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Mr. BURNETTWill the Minister give instructions that before rolling takes place the dressing shall consist of granite chips?
§ Lord APSLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerably more danger of skidding in wet weather, especially when there has been a shower after a dry spell, where there is no loose dressing?