HC Deb 07 February 1961 vol 634 cc202-3
33. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he does not sanction grants to aid local authorities for street improvements concurrently with town redevelopment work when such improvements are within the redevelopment areas.

Mr. Maclay

I try to do this whenever I can, since road works are often fundamental to redevelopment. But I have to keep a reasonable balance between competing road schemes, whether in redevelopment areas or elsewhere.

Dr. Mahon

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this involves a great deal of public waste in making and remaking streets and that in the central development area in my own constituency such a thing is going on in front of the citizens, all of whom know that the street will have to be remade when the right hon. Gentleman sanctions the additional improvement?

Mr. Maclay

I know that the hon. Member is raising a particular point which has arisen in his constituency. If there are any further details which it would be useful for the town council to discuss with my Department, when the time comes that will certainly be done.