§ Mr. PIELOUasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when the new road between Birmingham and Wolverhampton will be started; and will he take steps to expedite this work in view of the fact that such a large amount of unemployment exists in the Midlands?
§ Colonel ASHLEYSurveys and specifications have been prepared by the Birmingham Corporation and a draft agreement has been submitted to the local authorities concerned. Subject to their approval, it should be possible for the work to be begun in the coming autumn. A grant of 50 per cent. of the approved cost has been offered from the road fund, and no effort shall be wanting on my part to expedite the procedure.