§ 68. Sir Charles Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether anyone from Wales and Monmouthshire has been appointed on the Committee to consider the type and layout of roads in built-up areas; and, if not, will he consider such an appointment?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)No, Sir. The members of the Committee were chosen for their expert knowledge, and not as territorial representatives. The Committee is, however, admirably qualified to consider and report on road planning in built-up areas in all parts of the United Kingdom, and my right hon. Friend may be sure that the interests of Wales and Monmouthshire in that matter will be fully safeguarded.
§ Sir C. EdwardsIs there no informed knowledge of road building in Wales, and is my hon. Friend aware that in our narrow and winding valleys road making is more difficult than in most parts of the country, and does he not think that because of that Wales should be represented on that Committee?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe problem is purely a technical one, and I think the problems are common to the whole country. The Committee is already rather large and I should hesitate to add to its numbers.
§ Mr. S. O. DaviesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the problems in places such as South Wales are peculiar to that district, that questions of subsidence and other things have to be taken into consideration, and that there is a great deal of expert knowledge in South Wales which I am sure he would be only too pleased to make good use of?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIf my hon. Friends will submit a memorandum in writing, I will consider it.