HC Deb 31 July 1935 vol 304 cc2643-4
39. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to give the total cost of making the new East Lancashire road, Liverpool to Manchester, the amounts paid by the Ministry of Transport, the Lancashire County Council, and the other local authorities who were called upon to contribute?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The cost of the reconstruction of the East Lancashire Road from Liverpool to Manchester was £2,721,799 6s. 9d., of which the Ministry of Transport contributed £2,036,190. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the amounts received from other interested authorities.

Mr. TINKER

Did it fall below the estimated total cost or is it more?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I prefer to answer that question accurately after notice.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

Did that cost include the cost of lighting the road?

Following is the information:

£ s. d.
Liverpool City 274,850 6 6
Mersey Docks and Harbour Board 75,925 3 7
Bootle County Borough 26,574 3 7
St. Helens County Borough 22,019 0 0
Lancashire County Council 286,239 13 1

42. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Transport if he is in a position to say whether the Lancashire County Council and the other local authorities through which the East Lancashire new road, Liverpool to Manchester passes, have come to a decision on the lighting of the road; and if part of the cost will be borne by the Ministry of Transport as it was in the making of the road?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

There is no power vested in the Minister of Transport to make grants towards the cost of the lighting of roads. For the information of the hon. Member I have learned that the urban district of Swinton and Pendlebury has lit the section of the road through its area.

Mr. TINKER

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any communication from the Lancashire County Council, and, if not, will he urge upon them to fulfil their part of the proposal?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have had many communications from the county council upon this subject and I have tried to assist the hon. Gentleman's point of view. I understand that the county council has decided to leave the question of lighting to the district councils concerned.

Mr. TINKER

It is a splendid road. If it were completed it would be beautiful.