§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Transport how many local authorities have been given notice of the termination of the agreement delegating to them the functions of maintaining and making minor repairs to the trunk roads in their area; why he considers that the West Riding County Council, operating from Wakefield, will carry out such work in the Mir-field area more economically and efficiently than the Mirfield Urban District Council; and whether he will reconsider his decision and continue the existing agreement.
§ Mr. BarnesNotice of termination of agreements in respect of the maintenance of trunk roads has been given to nine local authorities. In the case of the Mirfield Urban District Council, I am satisfied that the larger organization of the county council can carry out the work more economically and efficiently and I see no reason for altering my decision in this matter.