§ 31. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the increasing wear and tear of motor vehicles, owing to deterioration in road surfaces, he will state to what extent road maintenance grants and staffs have been reduced in the County of Lancaster.
§ Mr. BarnesExpenditure on the maintenance of trunk and classified roads in Lancashire is expected to amount to £1,133,000 this year as against £1,147,000 last year. The County Council road staff has been reduced by 187 as compared with the number employed in August, 1947. The corresponding reductions by the county districts amount to 843.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lancashire County Council recently expressed some alarm at the position, and were especially concerned about main roads in industrial areas, where there is a great deal of heavy traffic? So that he may see for himself, may I take him for a ride the next time he comes North?
§ Mr. BarnesI recently motored through parts of Lancashire, which has done very well compared with the rest of the country.