§ 3. Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of the dislocation on roads caused by the snowfall between 8th to 13th January, 1968; and in view of the possibility of a further snowfall this winter, what consultations are being held to remedy this.
§ Mr. CarmichaelHeavy snow inevitably causes some dislocation; the most that can be done is to clear the roads as soon as practicable. Highway authorities are generally fully alive to their responsibilities; they were reminded in a circular issued on 5th January of the importance 417 of keeping their snow clearing organisation at maximum efficiency and no consultations are at present considered necessary.
§ Mr. CostainWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that early salting could help to solve the problem? Is he satisfied that there is sufficient co-ordination between the weather forecasting authorities and the county councils? Would he look into the matter to see whether the situation can be improved?
§ Mr. CarmichaelA circular urged local authorities to do salting as soon as weather forecasts came through. If the salt is put down before the snow falls, the snow can be cleared much more quickly. We are always looking at the question of the meteorological authorities giving as much advance warning as possible. This is being kept up to date.