HC Deb 19 July 1956 vol 556 c1377
36. Mr. Speir

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will be in a position to issue guidance to county councils regarding the promotion of road improvement schemes under the Agriculture (Improvement of Roads) Act, 1955.

Mr. Amory

I issued a memorandum to the local authorities concerned on the 13th of this month.

Mr. Speir

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the people living in the remote areas have been waiting a long time for these minor roads to be improved? In order to discourage the drift from the land, will he ensure that these schemes are introduced at as early a date as possible?

Mr. Amory

I do appreciate that point very clearly indeed. Unfortunately, the restrictions on capital development which have become necessary will inevitably mean a postponement of the starting of these schemes. But I am anxious that local authorities should put forward their applications to us; we will approve them in principle, where we can, so that there will be the minimum delay when we are able to approve the starting dates.