§ Mr. Championasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent any or all of the roads comprised in the programme of 856 miles of road, being planned by his Department may be dropped from the programme at any time.
§ Mr. WatkinsonPlanning a road programme must be a flexible process and alterations may be required from time to time according to the circumstances then prevailing. That is why I do not think it wise to issue lists of schemes long in advance of the time when constructional work on them can start.
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§ Mr. Championasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent information about specific road improvements included in his 856-miles road programme will be made available to such bodies as local authorities, contractors, and the Press, in advance of the time when the work is actually started.
§ Mr. WatkinsonLocal authorities are advised of schemes to be considered for inclusion in the road programme in sufficient time to enable the necessary preparatory work to be carried out. This carries with it, however, no guarantee that constructional work will be started on a specific date. When it is decided that a contract can be let for a scheme, contractors are advised under the normal tendering arrangements. Press notices may be issued from time to time on important schemes when definite stages are reached in the statutory procedures involved in their preparation. This method ensures the most rapid progress over the road programme as a whole.