§ 49. Sir N. Grattan-Doyleasked the Minister of Transport whether he has finally refused to make a grant from the Road Fund to the Newcastle City Council for the purpose of illuminating the pedestrian crossing beacons within its area; and, if so, whether he will state upon what grounds such decision has been based?
§ Mr. BurginI take the view that the illumination of these beacons is unnecessary. If a crossing is insufficiently conspicuous at night it is better to improve the street lighting so that not only the crossing but the pedestrians who use it may be made more visible to drivers.
§ Sir N. Grattan-DoyleIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are special conditions in Newcastle, and will he take the trouble to see what the conditions are? Is he aware that there is profound dis- 1754 appointment in Newcastle at his refusal to grant this request, and will he look into the matter again?
§ Mr. BurginI will certainly take any amount of trouble to ascertain conditions in Newcastle, but we can trace no formal application from the corporation for a grant in this matter. Perhaps my hon. Friend will confer with me.