§ 29. Mr. Hornbyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will reconsider his decision, as expressed in his letter of 2nd August, 1957, to the 204 Secretary, Urban District Councils Association, to raise the population limit from 20,000 to 30,000 for urban district councils and non-county boroughs, who can at present claim the right to maintain classified roads.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe question of highways functions as a part of local government reorganisation is still under consideration, and I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's legislative proposals.
§ Mr. HornbyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind when these proposals come up for discussion that many local authorities are extremely worried at the possibility of a change in this figure and see no reason why the present state of affairs should be changed and think it may well lead, if claiming rights are refused, to increases in costs and less efficiency in road maintenance?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, I will see that that is carefully considered.