HC Deb 23 February 1937 vol 320 cc1824-5
54. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the condition of the private roads in the villages of Cairnbulg and Inverallochy is so bad as to endanger both the safety and the health of the inhabitants; that both the owners and the district council have hitherto refused to take any action in the matter, and that re-housing schemes are being held up in consequence; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the situation?

Mr. Wedderburn

I am informed that some of the private roads in the villages in question are in bad condition, but that the main road through the villages has been placed on the list of county highways and is maintained by the county council. I am not aware that housing schemes are being held up in consequence of the condition of the roads referred to. The powers of a district council as regards the repair and maintenance of public ways are optional, and my right hon. Friend has no power to require a district council to take action.