§ 28. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Transport whether it is with his approval that expensive road and bridge schemes 193 are being carried out by the Yorkshire North Riding Council between Borough Bridge and Catterick, requiring steel, timber, concrete, tubes, tar macadam and excavating plant with the labour of skilled excavators, while land drainage excavators have been requisitioned for war purposes; and will he re-examine all such schemes with a view to holding them up until the war is over?
§ The Minister of Transport (Sir John Reith)The works on the Great North Road to which my hon. Friend refers are being carried out under Ministry of Transport direction as highway authority for the trunk road. The decision to continue was taken after full consideration of all the relevant circumstances, including those mentioned by my hon. Friend. All schemes on which works are continuing are under frequent review to determine whether, in the light of changing circumstances, their continuance is justifiable.
§ Mr. LeachIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is merely a monstrous speed-track which could very reasonably be abandoned, whether we are at peace or not?
§ Mr. BevanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very difficult for some of us to persuade our constituents that they cannot have Anderson shelters because there is no steel available when they see steel used for this purpose?
§ Sir J. ReithIf the hon. Members are particularly interested in this work, I shall be pleased to give them details, and I think they will agree that what is being done is justifiable.