§ 22. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dangerous nature of the A.53 Leek- Buxton Road at the Upper Hulme Hill and the high rate of accidents; and if he will make an additional grant to Staffordshire for road maintenance to enable the county authorities to carry out the urgent project on this road between Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
Mr. BraithwaiteI am aware of conditions on this hill. Staffordshire have been allocated a fair share of the money available for the maintenance and minor improvement of classified roads and are free to devote part of this to work on the hill. I regret that the funds now at my right hon. Friend's disposal do not enable him to approve for grant the scheme for a diversion submitted by the Council.
§ Mr. DaviesIt is a shocking answer in view of the dangerous condition of this road, which is the main link between Stafford and Derby and between the East and West of the country——
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has not yet asked a supplementary question.
§ Mr. DaviesNo, Sir, I am leading up to it. Is the Minister aware that Stafford is only asking from the Government something in the neighbourhood of about £9,000 to enable the county to make this area absolutely safe?
Mr. BraithwaiteI am afraid that more than £9,000 is involved in this, but we did suggest certain minor works which we felt would improve the situation and which could be met out of maintenance. The suggestion was not shocking but ameliorative.
§ Mr. DaviesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.