§ 6. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will initiate a programme for the construction of lay-bys for use by heavy road transport on all main trunk roads in Scotland.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have for some time been constructing lay-bys on trunk roads and many have already been provided in Scotland. I propose to continue to provide them where needed.
§ Mr. SpenceIs the Minister aware that in the recent scheme for straightening the road between Aberdeen and Elgin, carried out in the last few months, no provision was made for a lay-by, although an already macadamised road was alongside the track and could have been used for that purpose?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI will look into the point to which my hon. Friend has been good enough to draw my attention, I have particulars of a number of roads where the work is being done, or is authorised.
Mr. VaneWhen my right hon. Friend makes provision for the construction of lay-bys, will he make sure that they are properly looked after, for many are becoming dumps for an enormous amount of rubbish, if not public lavatories?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterResponsibility for that state of affairs depends on whether they are trunk or classified roads.
Mr. SlaterDo we understand, when the right hon. Gentleman says "where needed," that it depends on the local authority making application to the Minister for this work to be put in hand?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI would prefer to put it that the views of the highway authority on the need are matters to which I give weight.