HC Deb 04 May 1960 vol 622 cc1080-1
50. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport if, in the interests of traffic, flow and safety, he will issue instructions that all minor obstructions and minor road works on the carriageway of trunk roads should be completed and cleared away by the Whitsun holidays.

Mr. Marples

I am sure that the need to avoid unnecessary obstruction of trunk road carriageways during Bank holiday week-ends is well understood by the local authorities who act as my agents, but I am arranging for all concerned to be reminded again before Whitsun.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that reminder will be much appreciated by the thousands of people held up by minor obstructions during the Easter holidays?

Mr. Marples

Yes.

Mr. Mellish

Are we not between now and Whitsun to get from the Minister some indication of his intentions to try to avoid the problems that will otherwise necessarily arise during the Whitsun holiday period?

Mr. Marples

I shall do my best to meet the hon. Gentleman's request.

Sir L. Ropner

Will my right hon. Friend first make a genuine effort to clear away major obstructions such as tolls on toll bridges?

Mr. Marples

I heard a rumour around that there is a bridge in my hon. and gallant Friend's constituency which has a toll on it. I will certainly look into that question.