§ 48. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what representations he has received from the Kent Branch of the National Farmers' Union regarding the proposed Rochester by-pass road.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNone, Sir. The scheme was, however, discussed at an informal meeting in February, 1953, between my divisional road engineer and the Faversham and Sittingbourne branches of the National Farmers' Union.
§ Mr. BottomleyCan the Minister explain why he sent letters to the Mayor of Rochester and to the Town Clerk of Chatham saying that agricultural interests were holding up the construction of the Rochester by-pass road? Surely he should have consulted the Kent branch of the National Farmers' Union?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterEither of the branches concerned is perfectly free to make representations to me on a matter affecting their members if they so wish. Indeed, the agricultural aspects of the matter are also matters which I have had to discuss with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.