§ 43. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that some county councils have found themselves unable to reduce their road maintenance staff in accordance with the terms of his recent circular on the grounds that the cut sought is excessive, and that the county councils do not wish to be held responsible for roads becoming dangerous as a result; and if he can make a further statement in this connection.
§ Mr. BarnesI hope that the councils to which the hon. Member refers will realise, from the Economic Survey for 1948, that the reductions in road maintenance staff for which I am asking are made inevitable by the country's economic 203W situation. Notwithstanding these reductions there should be sufficient men available to ensure that roads do not become dangerous through lack of maintenance.
§ 44. Mr. Carsonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that circular No. 618 of 16th January, 1948, was sent to the Margate Council urging them to reduce the labour employed on highways by discharging 20 men of a type suitable for employment on more essential work, when there are already 1,000 persons registered as unemployed; whether he has considered the letter on this subject sent by the town clerk to the divisional road engineer, South Eastern Division; and what reply he proposes to send.
§ Mr. BarnesThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." I am advised that unemployment in Margate is largely seasonal and I should not feel justified in treating the council exceptionally in this matter. The council is being so informed.