HC Deb 24 February 1948 vol 447 cc1759-60
42. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether the Ennerdale Forest Road has proceeded in accordance with the specifications he approved; whether, apart from passing bays, the width of the roadway and grass verges have been confined to 15 feet; what assurances he has received as to the commencing and finishing dates of the grass turfing work specified by him before the work was allowed to proceed; whether he has stipulated the sowing of grass seed to cover the side of the high perpendicular bank on the up side of the road; and whether he will ensure that the speediest action is taken to restore Ennerdale's natural beauty.

Mr. Silkin

I have no reason to believe that the conditions on the basis of which I agreed to the construction of the Ennerdale Forest Road are not being complied with. I am, however, in touch with the Forestry Commission about this and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Sharpe

Is my right hon. Friend aware that approximately five miles of this road has already been completed, that no returfing work has been done, and that returfing was one of the conditions he laid down before this work commenced?

Mr. Silkin

I am not surprised to hear that, because the returfing would be done at the end, but I am making inquiries into the matter and will let my hon. Friend know.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in any case it was quite unnecessary to build this new road, existing facilities being quite adequate, and will he see that this kind of mistake is not repeated elsewhere while labour and materials in this country are in short supply?

Mr. Silkin

Of course I do not accept the fact that this road was not necessary.