HC Deb 18 November 1953 vol 520 cc1713-4
28. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the action taken by his Department 11 years ago to repair the road between Silverdale and Crackley Gates in Newcastle-under-Lyme, he will now determine the responsibility for the maintenance of this road and take steps to put it in a reasonable condition.

Mr. Molson

Though repairs to this road were done at Government expense as a war-time measure, it is an unadopted road and my right hon. Friend has no power to determine the responsibility for its maintenance. However, if it is repaired and the two councils concerned adopt it, we would favourably consider an application for its classification.

Mr. Swingler

Does that mean that the Minister can do nothing to see that this road is made up? Does he know of the absolutely shocking state of the road on which the bus men have to do voluntary maintenance to fill in the worst potholes because nobody will take responsibility for it? Cannot the Minister say who is responsible for the road?

Mr. Molson

It is a private road connecting two mining villages. It would be open to the two councils concerned to adopt it. In that case, as I have said, the Ministry of Transport would do what it could to help in a financial way.