HC Deb 23 November 1949 vol 470 cc336-7
15. Commander Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Air why large notice boards, inscribed "Air Ministry, Road Closed under Defence Regulation (1939) No. 16," have recently been erected on roads in the vicinity of Market Stainton, Lincolnshire, as all bombs have been removed from the verges of these roads for 10 months; how local farmers and farmworkers in the area are to carry out their work if the regulation is enforced; and how many prosecutions there have been in the last six months.

Mr. de Freitas

These notice boards have been put up to safeguard the legal position of the Air Ministry until it is possible formally to revoke the closure orders made under the Defence Regulation. The orders will not be enforced except in the case of one road where it is necessary for the safety of the public. There have been no prosecutions for infringement in the last six months.

Commander Maitland

Is it not nonsense that a legal technicality of this kind should be allowed to involve public expense in putting up these new notice boards? Not only that, but people who do not realise that they will not be prosecuted are deflected a considerable distance out of their way. Should not this nonsense be cleared up at once?

Mr. de Freitas

The orders will be revoked as soon as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport agrees that the roads are fit for use. Meanwhile, it is most important that the legal rights and liabilities attaching to these roads should be made quite clear.

Mr. Turton

Why is there this long delay in releasing these highways which have been stopped up, when there are no bombs in the neighbourhood of the road?

Mr. de Freitas

The roads have to be repaired before they are handed back to general public use.

Commander Maitland

As these roads are perfectly safe, could not the Air Ministry take out an ordinary insurance policy to protect themselves, and allow the public to use the roads?

Mr. de Freitas

I assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that what we have done is in the best interests of his constituents and my Department.