§ 44. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport what power he has to prevent the relaying of wooden blocks as a road surface.
§ Mr. BarnesI can withhold permits under Defence Regulation 55 for the timber required for new wood block paving, but I have no power to prevent the re-laying of secondhand blocks. Apart from this, I can only influence local highway authorities by way of advice, and, to a limited extent, through the administration of Road Fund grants.
§ Mr. ShepherdCannot the Minister extend his advice somewhat, because there is not much purpose in spending thousands of pounds in safety campaigns if lethal surfaces, such as road blocks, are allowed to continue?
§ Mr. BarnesWe are making rapid progress in this connection. In the main, 22 wood blocks are confined to London streets, and, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, on many of the roads being relaid in Westminster they are being done away with. I think we are making good progress.