HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc1104-5
17. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the basis upon which applications made by highway authorities are considered for the upgrading of unclassified roads to Class III roads.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Applications are considered on the basis of the value of the road to through traffic and its relation to the general traffic system.

Mr. Watkins

Will the Minister reexamine the situation, in view of the ancient formula there is regarding through traffic, which is of no great use in hilly country such as we have in Wales? Ought not local usage to be taken into account in such areas? Will he re-examine the method of application?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That raises, as I am sure the hon. Member appreciates, a very much wider question indeed, affecting the financial relations of the central Government and local government, which I had better not comment on at Question Time.