§ 33. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the need for accelerating the Government's policy of reconstructing the road system of this country, and in view of the fact that his Department and the highway authorities are now hampered by a procedure which causes unnecessary delays, whether he will consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with a view to obtaining the services of the Organisation and Methods Division of the Treasury to advise on the problem.
§ 34. Mr. Pargiterasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the delay in bringing the new road traffic schemes, for which he is responsible, into operation is due to shortage of expert staff in his Department and among the highway authorities, civil 23W engineering consultants, and contractors concerned; how far it is due to the necessity of carrying out the complicated procedure which developed before road reconstruction became urgent; and what remedial action is proposed.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not think that the progress of road construction and improvement schemes is being delayed by a shortage of suitably qualified engineers or by administrative procedure. The preliminary steps in connection with these schemes is necessarily somewhat lengthy since it incorporates statutory safeguards for the interests of those who may be affected. This procedure could not be modified except by legislation.