HC Deb 01 December 1937 vol 329 cc2070-2
60 and 61. Mr. Lyons

asked the Minister of Transport (I) whether he will indicate where and to what extent illumination of main roads has already been undertaken under the provisions of Section 6 (4) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936;

(2) whether he will indicate where any further illumination of main roads has been arranged or provided for under Section 6 (4) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936?

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Burgin)

I have not yet exercised my powers under this Sub-section but will shortly notify local authorities that where they consider that portions of trunk roads should be illuminated or better illuminated to standards which conform reasonably to those recommended for traffic routes by the Departmental Committee on Street Lighting, I shall, in certain circumstances, be prepared after 1st April, 1938, to enter into agreements with them whereby I shall contribute 50 per cent. of the capital cost and 50 per cent. of the annual cost of maintenance.

Mr. Lyons

In view of the great importance of this topic, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why he has not exercised the powers which he has under the Statute before to-day?

Mr. Burgin

The Departmental Committee has just reported in regard to these powers.

Mr. Lyons

Is it not the fact that the power which the Minister has is given in the Trunk Roads Act, 1936, irrespective entirely of any findings of the Departmental Committee?

Mr. Burgin

Even so, the roads have only been trunk roads for a little over six months.

Mr. Lyons

Is it the fact that in the report of the Departmental Committee they expressly refer to the fact that, without any recommendation of theirs, the Minister has already the authority given by this House to exercise his powers under that very important Sub-section?

68. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increasing danger arising on the highways through lack of lighting arrangements; and when he intends to make a statement on this question?

Mr. Burgin

I know of no evidence in support of the assumption in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have just given to the hon. and learned Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons).

Mr. Tinker

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries about the East Lancashire Road, as he will find out that there are an increasing number of accidents taking place there because of the bad lighting?

Mr. Burgin

I will certainly make inquiries. I have driven the length of that road both ways recently two or three times.