39. Mr. CREECH JONESasked the Minister of Transport what proportion of the cost of his programme of work in the next five years will be spent on footpaths; whether he is aware that many of the unimproved and unwidened existing roads need footwalks but are without them; and whether he will consider special grants in aid to county councils for providing footwalks along existing roads where they are needed?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe rapidity with which the provision of footpaths is proceeding is indicated by the record of last year, which shows that 1,837 miles of footpaths were provided, equal to the distance from John o' Groats to Land's End and back. Separate estimates of the cost of footpaths included in the works comprising the five-year programme have not been taken out, but I have made it a condition of a grant from the Road Fund that footpaths shall be provided wherever necessary. Expenditure on the provision of footpaths already ranks for grant at the rates appropriate to other works of improvement on the roads concerned.
§ Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman also spend money on footpaths which are not along main roads—footpaths through the country which are used for communication purposes?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHACertainly.