§ Mr. R. Ethertonasked the Secretary of State for War for what purpose not directly connected with the war, in addition to the taking of films, the military have used or intend to use their power to close main public highways; and whether he will give instructions to restrict the manner in which this power is in future used to operational requirements, until it is possible to relax the Order.
§ Sir J. GriggIn most cases roads are closed either for security reasons or in order to park vehicles and equipment. These purposes, as also the making of military training films, are necessary for the efficient prosecution of the war. But as I said in my reply to my hon. Friend on 14th November, the powers to close roads are used as sparingly as possible, and never without consulting the Ministry of War Transport.