HC Deb 26 July 1939 vol 350 cc1469-70
76. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will urge upon Highland county councils the advisability, in view of the high level of local unemployment in some areas, and in view of the very poor condition of second-class and unclassified and parish roads, that they prepare plans to undertake the reconstruction of these roads while all the plant for the first-class road schemes is still in these areas and available at the completion of these main schemes, and so effect economies in transport of plant and material, thus reducing the cost of certain new schemes especially in the Outer Islands; and whether he will be prepared to advance financial aid for the period of such reconstruction at low charges?

Captain Wallace

I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. I attach great importance to the principle that contracts for road works should be publicly advertised for competitive tenders; and it cannot be assumed that any particular contract will go to a firm which happens to have plant employed on other road schemes in the locality. Moreover, whether particular works can be put in hand at any given time must be judged in relation to the financial resources then available both locally and nationally. It does not follow that because certain improvement works are being carried out in any district therefore other unrelated works should be put in hand at the same time or immediately afterwards. Whether a grant can be made towards any particular scheme of improvement submitted by a highway authority must always be considered on its merits in relation to the demands for other purposes.

Mr. MacMillan

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that a certain amount of co-ordination in the various transport schemes is highly desirable? Does he not agree also that great savings could be made by fitting these schemes into each other from year to year and in plant transport? Is it nescessary to restrict planning to this year to year method on isolated schemes?

Captain Wallace

I do not think that these considerations override those stated in my answer.

Mr. MacMillan

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be highly advisable to establish system and co-ordination in the transport system in the Highlands and Islands which is absolutely lacking to-day?

Captain Wallace

I think we have done a great deal to help transport there.

Mr. MacMillan

You certainly have not done much about parish and local roads, so far.

Mr. Macquisten

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the sea is a highway, that the sea is free, and that transport by sea ought to be free?