HC Deb 02 February 1948 vol 446 cc1459-60
21. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport what is the number of men now employed in Great Britain in putting stone or concrete kerbs along country roads which never had any kerbing before.

Mr. Barnes

The information requested by the hon. Member is not available.

Mr. Bossom

is the Minister aware that we are hearing everywhere of the abnormal need of labour, and why is there any reason now to put kerbs on roads which have not had them for a thousand years?

Mr. Barnes

The hon. Gentleman is aware of the importance of this in the general scheme of road improvements, but, of course, with the cutting down of the road improvement programme this work is steadily coming to an end.

Mr. Bossom

Have we not heard that other works have to be stopped now on account of the cuts in capital expenditure, and if that is so, why waste money on things that were not needed before?

Mr. Barnes

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the cut in the capital expenditure on roads is probably one of the heaviest of the items so far considered.