§ 40 and 30. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Secretary of State for War (1) why the trunk road, No. A22, was closed by the military, on Monday, 6th November, between two points, of which he has been informed;
(2) whether, as the main purpose for which Parliament granted powers to the military to close main public highways, namely the initial invasion of the mainland of Europe, is now accomplished, he will consider some modification of the relevant order, perhaps by restricting it to limited specific and necessary areas.
§ Sir J. GriggThe powers to which my hon. Friend doubtless refers were not granted specifically for the preparations for the operations in North-West Europe. 1784 The exercise of these powers is under constant review. Many roads have been re-opened and more will be re-opened as soon as possible. In the specific case to which my hon. Friend refers, the road was closed for about 1½ hours while a military training film was being made. This stretch of road was chosen because it was suitable and near where the troops taking part were stationed and because it was thought that its closing would cause the least inconvenience to the general public. I might add that the consent of the police and the Ministry of War transport was obtained before this road was closed on this occasion.
§ Mr. EthertonWill the right hon. Gentleman watch this matter of the closing of roads by the military on what sometimes appear to be somewhat capricious grounds, to see whether, at the earliest possible moment, this power could not be returned to the civil authority?
§ Sir J. GriggI will certainly do the converse of what the hon. Member suggests in this case—I will try my utmost to see that the roads closed are re-opened as quickly as possible.