§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Transport if local authorities generally are carrying out the recommendations contained in the Circular issued by him, on or about 4th June, 1925, that all roads, no matter of what surface, should be tarred and coaled with hard stone chip-pings; and whether, having regard to the circumstance that a large number of secondary roads throughout the country are still in a slippery condition and dangerous to horses, he will consider the desirability of issuing a further Circular?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAlthough the recommendations contained in the Circular Letter of 4th June, 1925, to county surveyors have been widely adopted, I am issuing a further letter to all highway authorities on the subject of slippery roads.
§ Sir W. PRESTONasked the Minister of Transport whether arty pressure is brought by his Department upon the different road authorities in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire to make them tar their minor roads; whether he is aware that many minor roads are now being tarred, and are so slippery that farmers cannot market their produce and neither farm horses nor cattle can keep their feet upon them; and what steps his Department has taken and is taking in the matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhere roads cannot be efficiently and economically maintained without being given an impervious surface, my officers would probably advise 1603W the application of tar or other similar material suitably "gritted," and if this process is properly carried out, there is no reason why danger should result to horses and cattle. As to the steps now in contemplation, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I am giving to-day to the hon. and gallant Member for the St. Albans Division of Hertford-shore (Lieut.-Colonel Fremantle), and of which I am sending him a copy.