HC Deb 16 April 1957 vol 568 c1736
30. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in view of the large number of unmade roads in the Benfleet urban district and the difficulties of drainage peculiar to that area, he will give sympathetic and early consideration to the authorisation of loan consent in respect of the making up of such roads where deposits have been duly made in accordance with the New Streets Act, 1951, and petitions have been received from the frontagers concerned.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend believes that the Council can be relied on, while the present need for strict economy continues, to put forward only proposals where work is needed urgently; and accordingly he does not anticipate any difficulty.

Mr. Braine

Do I take it from that reply that the special difficulties of the Benfleet district are recognised by the Ministry, and that in all cases where petitions have been presented by frontagers, deposits paid, and application made in the proper way for loan sanction by the local authority, there will be no delay?

Mr. Bevnis

Yes, Sir, the special difficulties of the Benfleet Urban District Council are recognised by my right hon. Friend, and I assure him that applications for loan sanction either have been or are in process of being approved.