§ 80. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Transport what steps are now being taken for the repair of the Birmingham-Wolverhampton new road; how many local authorities are involved in the placing of contracts; and whether he will endeavour to arrange for the more effective method of one contract being placed for the whole road?
§ Mr. BurginThe county councils of Stafford and Worcester, as my agents, are maintaining these lengths of trunk road. They are employing direct labour so that the question of contracts does not arise. The sections within the three county boroughs are not trunk roads, and I have no power to make grants for their maintenance, which is covered by the block grants to those authorities.
§ Mr. ManderIn view of the importance of encouraging transport, and, indeed, the flow of ideas, between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, will the right horn. Gentleman give this matter the most rapid attention he can?