HC Deb 25 October 1939 vol 352 cc1386-7
40. Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that flowering shrubs and rose trees enclosed in iron and wire fencing are being planted along the Crawley By-Pass by the road employés; and whether, in view of the war situation and the necessity of economising on unproductive work he will postpone for the present all work on the roads that is not helping to win the war?

Captain Wallace

The shrubs and trees in question were purchased by the West Sussex County Council, as my agents for the construction of the Crawley By-Pass, some months before the war started. The planting out is taking place now because this is the proper season. As regards the second part of the question the policy of the Ministry in regard to unfinished road works is that they will only be completed if this proves to be the most economical way of dealing with them, or if they can be shown to be essential in the national interest.

Brigadier-General Brown

Is it in the national interest to use rabbit wire and iron posts in this way when they are difficult to obtain for food production and other things, and does my right hon. and gallant Friend really think that it is in the national interest that this work should be done at this time?

Captain Wallace

I do not believe that the amount of rabbit wire required will put a great strain on the national effort.

Brigadier-General Brown

Is not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is not possible to get a great deal of rabbit wire, and does not work such as this make null and void the appeals of the Minister of Agriculture to farmers to increase food production?