§ 3. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give instructions that no further wooden setts shall be laid in city areas in view of the fact that they constitute a dangerous surface, particularly in wet weather.
§ Mr. BarnesWhile it would not be right to regard all wood block paving as dangerous, or to assume that effective methods of surfacing such paving, to avoid it becoming slippery, are not available, I hope that highway authorities will pay special attention to the need for providing a safe running surface for traffic. No doubt they will also have noted from my reply to a previous question by the hon. Member on 25th March that it is unlikely, as highway authority for trunk roads, I shall agree to the laying of wood block paving on such roads.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill the Minister say what is the use of spending £250,000 in a campaign to ensure road safety when he is not prepared to take the necessary steps to see that the roads themselves are safe? Why does he not try to get powers to enforce this upon local authorities? Instead of using it for things that are not needed, why not use it for something that is needed?
§ Mr. BarnesThe inference in the supplementary question is not correct. I have not indicated that I am not taking steps.
§ Mr. ShepherdTake powers.
§ Mr. BarnesEvery step is being taken to ensure improvement in road surfaces.
4 The wooden blocks to which the Question is directed are largely prevalent in London and the local authorities are responsible.