HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2288-9
41. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the financial difficulties that have arisen in connection with the Ruckholt Road bridge, Leyton, portion of the East-West road scheme about which advice has been tendered to him by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee; and whether, in view of the inability of the county council financially to assist the Leyton council, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Captain Wallace

I am aware that the Highways Committee of the Essex County Council have refused to recommend the council to make a contribution as they consider that this part of the East-West connection should be constructed as a trunk road and the whole cost defrayed from the Road Fund. I am not in a position to entertain this suggestion.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that as he is not prepared to entertain this suggestion, it means that the development will impose very severe financial burdens on the ratepayers, both of Leyton and of Essex generally; and will he not do something to relieve the ratepayers of that burden?

Captain Wallace

Unfortunately that does not alter the fact that Parliament laid down in the Schedule to the Trunk Roads Act what the trunk roads were to be, and I cannot put anything into that Schedule which is not there.