HC Deb 24 June 1952 vol 502 cc2007-8
1 and 2. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what effect the recent review of the capital investment programme will have on the making up of unpaved streets in the county borough of Oldham;

(2) for what reason the Oldham Corporation has been asked to submit a photograph of a private street when making application for the approval of the making up of the street, in view of the fact that there are 400 unpaved streets in the county borough of Oldham.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

Under present conditions I can authorise only a limited amount of private street works, in cases of urgency. After seeing the photographs supplied by the Oldham Corporation I have agreed that work on a number of streets in their area may proceed.

Mr. Hale

Would the right hon. Gentleman give a clear answer to Question No. 1 as to what will be the effect of the diminution of capital development in Oldham on the reconstruction of these private streets, of which there are 400, some in quite a shocking condition, and in respect of which the Oldham Corporation were doing a great amount of very effective work up till October last?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "diminution."

Mr. Hale

Would the Minister have a word with the Chancellor of the Exchequer? There is already a difference of opinion between them on this matter. The House is entitled to know what is the position. As I understood the right hon. Gentleman's answer, it was that there was a diminution. He said that he could only authorise a limited amount of work now. Can he say what that amount is?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman was referring to the capital investment programme for 1952 or 1953.