§ Mr. Pearsonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the restriction of road re-surfacing to only 846W essential works, apart from the cessation of many other road and bridge schemes, will result in numbers of regularly-employed roller-drivers, other road-workers, and quarrymen being forced into unemployment; and will he endeavour to safeguard against undue restriction of road re-surfacing in order to prevent such unemployment?
§ Captain WallaceIt is essential to restrict the execution of road works, not only because of the public expenditure involved but also because of the necessity for keeping the roads open to traffic and, so far as possible, free from obstruction. In deciding which road works shall be curtailed and which shall be allowed to proceed regard will be had to all the relevant considerations including those relating to unemployment to which the hon. Member refers. On these matters close touch is being maintained with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.