§ 42. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will increase the grants paid on approved lighting schemes on trunk roads to such an extent as will exempt the parishes through which they pass from all financial obligations.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo, Sir. The powers of a parish council to light any road are permissive. If a parish wish to instal lighting to full traffic standard on a trunk road I am willing to contribute 50 per cent. of the cost, but I cannot go further in present circumstances.
§ Sir I. FraserIs it not begging the question to say that the powers of a parish council are permissive? Surely no trunk road can be allowed to continue at the whim and fancy of a parish council without proper lighting? If it must be lighted to a high standard in order, to ensure the safety of the public, is that not mainly national expenditure?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat may be so, but I have accurately set out the present position. To go further would not only increase the expenditure of my Department, but would interfere with the functions of local government.