§ MR. HASLAMasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the continued increase of heavy motor transport on roads, he is taking steps to ascertain which methods of road-making most adequately combine smooth surface with great durability; and whether he has received information as to the methods recommended for adoption in the United States with the above-named object in view, and especially with regard to foundations of concrete as the essential feature?
Sir R. WILLIAMSThe Minister of Transport has the advantage of all the information and experience gained by the Road Board, and is fully informed of the most modern methods, including those adopted in the United States. As the hon. Member is aware, the great difficulty at the moment is to make such surfaces equally satisfactory for self-propelled and horse-drawn vehicles. It has been the practice for many years when dealing with important roads, to provide concrete and ferro-concrete foundations, and a large amount of such work is now in hand in various parts of the Country.