§ 9. Mr. Lyonsasked the Minister of Transport what result has been reached to date in response to his urge to highway authorities for the release for agricultural work of unnecessary road labour; and what is the figure released?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThe arrangements for release of roadmen for agriculture are made direct with county councils by county war agricultural executive committees, in consultation with the local representatives of the Minister of Labour and National Service, and the information asked for by my hon. and learned Friend is not available in my Department.
§ Mr LyonsIn view of the fact that he said about a week ago that he had circularised local authorities bringing home this point, is it too much to ask whether the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will be satisfied with having no answer to his invitation for co-operation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI have never noticed that the Minister for Agriculture is backward in coming forward on points of this kind. As the House knows I have already had indications by questions showing that the neglect of roads is having an effect upon transport.