HC Deb 05 June 1930 vol 239 cc2403-4W
Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Transport if he has come to any decision regarding the proposed Maidenhead bypass and the Oxford southern by-pass; whether Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire County Councils have given their approval to these schemes, respectively; and whether he is in a position to state how soon work can be begun on these roads?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I was informed on the 22nd May that the Berkshire County Council had agreed to proceed with the Maidenhead by-pass, subject to the concurrence of the Bucks County Council and to the offer of a grant of 80 per cent. from the Road Fund. The latter authority has not yet reached a decision. With regard to the Oxford southern by-pass, the Berkshire County Council has been informed that, subject to the approval of the detailed plans and estimates and to the employment of 50 per cent. of transfered labour, the scheme will be approved for a grant of 80 per cent. from the Road Fund.

Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Transport whether, owing to the present position of local unemployment, the Government intend to adhere to their decision of granting 80 per cent. towards the cost of the proposed by-pass road at Maidenhead on the condition that 50 per cent. of labour engaged will be transferred labour; whether he is aware of the housing difficulties that must result from this policy; and whether, in consultation with other Government Departments and appreciating the amount of local agricultural labour unemployed in the county of Berkshire, this matter may receive fresh consideration?

Mr. MORRISON

I am now dealing with the renewed application of the county council, and am prepared to give consideration to such representations as they may desire to make with respect to the proportion of transferred labour to be employed.

Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the case of the Oxford southern by-pass road, he has come to any decision regarding the amount of grant he proposes to make; and whether, owing to the number of agricultural labourers unemployed in the district and the problem of housing accommodation, he will, after consultation with other Departments concerned, waive the conditions that 50 per cent. of the labour to be employed shall be transferred from distressed areas and that this decision shall not alter the amount of the contribution of 80 per cent. to be given to the scheme from the Road Fund?

Mr. MORRISON

The county council have accepted my offer of a grant of 80 per cent. from the Road Fund, subject to the employment of 50 per cent. of transferred labour, and I am not prepared to waive the condition attached to this special rate of assistance.