HC Deb 21 November 1956 vol 560 cc1722-3
14. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now give loan sanction for the repair and adoption as public highway of the road from Silverdale via Crackley Gates to Scot Hay in Staffordshire, which was last repaired at Government expense thirteen years ago.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Hugh Molson)

My right hon. Friend has only just received an application for loan sanction for this work. He will decide as soon as possible what recommendation he will give to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Swingler

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of this problem? I have asked Parliamentary Questions about it in, I think, each of the last three years. Is not he therefore aware that my constituents have been extraordinarily patient in waiting for nearly fourteen years now for this road to be repaired? Will not he give it absolute expedition and first priority in consideration for loan sanction?

Mr. Molson

The responsibility for the delay does not rest with my Department. It is only since I came into the House that I have heard that the application has been received. My right hon. Friend will deal with the matter immediately.