§ 9. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to upgrade more roads to become classified roads.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Ernest Marples)Unclassified roads are upgraded when their value to through traffic justifies it.
§ Mr. HughesIs it not the case that the amount of upgrading approved by the right hon. Gentleman's Department during the last five to seven years has been negligible? Is it not also the case that the repair and maintenance of unclassified roads presents a very real problem to the highway authorities, which are unable to do the job because they have not the cash? Will he give highway authorities encouragement by approving the upgrading of further roads?
§ Mr. MarplesIf the hon. Gentleman has any road in mind, I will certainly consider it from the point of view of traffic utilisation to see whether it can be upgraded. This can only be done on merits. The House will, I am sure, agree that most of the roads in this country are maintained at a higher standard than those in other countries.