§ 66. Mr. Saltasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what scientific research is at present being conducted by or on behalf of his Ministry as regards traffic movements and safety on roads; what is the present total expenditure on road research of all kinds; and what fields are covered by such expenditure.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt is estimated that during the current year, the work of scientific research on road problems, in which my Ministry receive much assistance from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, will cost £43,000 during the current year. I am sending my hon. Friend detailed information about the field which it covers; he will, I am sure, understand why it is mainly devoted to finding ways in which the war effort may be served.
I hope that after the war we may embark on a much larger programme of research, and that effort will then be principally directed to problems of traffic movement and safety on the roads. I am now considering the organisation of this post-war work with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
§ Captain Sir William BrassWill they take into consideration after the war the very slippery surface of the London roads, and try to improve it?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. The subject of non-skid surfaces is one of those that will come first.