HC Deb 19 February 1953 vol 511 cc1446-7
47. Mr. E. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to encourage the owners of small and medium farms to improve the condition of approach roads.

Sir T. Dugdale

Grants can already be made under the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing Acts towards the cost of improving privately - owned approach roads on hill and upland farms. Assistance can also be given in England and Wales under the Marginal Production Scheme towards the cost of repairing farm roads on those farms which come within the scope of the Scheme.

Mr. Wakefield

Would my right hon. Friend agree that, with the extended use of heavy tractors and motor cars, this is a continuing problem, and can he say whether farmers who have difficulty in repairing their roads are able to get advice from the agricultural executive committees?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir. We have publications and demonstrations. The demonstrations are arranged at agricultural shows and elsewhere, and farmers are advised on the best methods of road making and improvement. The Ministry has published two leaflets entitled "Farming and Estate Roads" and "Soil Cement Roads" which give general advice on road construction and improvement.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that his original answer would carry far more weight if he would make some arrangement whereby land drainage boards are not expected to maintain concrete fenways built during the war for this same sort of purpose?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is another Question.