§ 36. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he has considered the report on delays in road construction he has received from the County Surveyors' Society through the County Councils' Association; and what action he proposes to take upon it.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)This report has recently been discussed by my Department with the County Councils Association and a number of helpful suggestions have been made to hasten procedure. The County Councils fully share with me the responsibilities for carrying out the trunk roads programme, and I welcome their co-operation.
§ Mr. DaviesI thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that it is his Department which is largely blamed for the long delays, and has he looked into the arrangements within his Department regarding the procedure when plans are under consideration?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, and as the hon. Gentleman knows, we have made a good many changes which have speeded it up.