§ 44 and 66. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) to what extent the completion of the new Stretford-Barton Road is held up through legal difficulties involving private rights and railway rights; and what action is to be taken;
(2) whether he will reconsider his previous decision and arrange for the speedy opening of the new Stretford-Barton Road in order to relieve a much-congested road at peak periods, to save approximately three-quarters of a mile, and provide a convenient North-South by-pass, especially in view of the present increased necessity for the greater saving of time and fuel and the desire to reduce accidents on the congested road?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt has been necessary to defer many other road improvements of greater value than this in order to concentrate labour and material on work necessary to the war effort. Since there are other suitable public roads available, I see no sufficient grounds for altering the 1323 decision already conveyed to my hon. Friend. I may add that I am not aware of any difficulties with railway or private interests and that, if they exist, they have not influenced our decision.
§ Mr. SmithIf it is not intended to open this road during the war, why was it built during the war? Why were labour and material employed on it which could have been employed to better advantage elsewhere?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThis road was built by a private owner, and I have no information as to how he obtained the material, but very little concrete was used.