§ 48. Mr. Bullardasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet completed his review of the problem of maintaining the concrete roads laid down in the Fens by his Department during the war; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir T. DugdaleSome 41 miles of these concrete roads have been taken over by county councils. Responsibility for the maintenance of 71 miles has been placed on internal drainage boards and an order placing the responsibility for maintenance of the remaining nine miles on an internal drainage board will be made shortly. Nine miles of the roads have been abandoned. I am studying this problem, but have no further statement to make at present.
§ Mr. BullardWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, although responsibility has been placed on the internal drainage boards, it is often a very hard responsibility for them to bear and that meantime these roads are fast deteriorating, which will have a serious effect on food production unless something is done? Will my right hon. Friend consider this matter further and do something at the earliest possible moment?
§ Sir T. DugdaleAs I said, I am studying the problem.
§ Mr. John MacLeodIs the Minister aware that high freight charges are forcing more and more traffic on to these rural roads and that the 10 per cent. increases proposed will further deteriorate these roads? As the Minister is now in the Cabinet, will be bring this forcibly home to the Prime Minister?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe Question deals only with the Fens.