HC Deb 17 March 1952 vol 497 cc1909-10
36. Mr. Arthur Moyle

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the cost of highway construction and maintenance undertaken by contractors each year since 1947.

Mr. Maclay

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Moyle

Would it not be possible for the Minister to let me have the figures relating to trunk roads for the period concerned?

Mr. Maclay

I will certainly examine that possibility.

Mr. A. G. Bottomley

Is it not a fact that there has been a decrease, and that through this decrease the poor state of the roads has led to an increase in the number of road accidents?

Mr. Maclay

The form of the Question makes it difficult to give an answer to that supplementary question.

37. Mr. Moyle

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of county roadmen engaged by county councils on highway construction and maintenance in 1938; and the number engaged at present on such work.

Mr. Maclay

I have no figures for 1938. In September, 1939, the number was about 61,000, and in September, 1951, it was about 44,000.