§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has studied the letter, of which a copy has been sent to him, from the Scottish Co-operative Transport Executive to the hon. Member for Govan, expressing their concern at the dangers which exist at present on Scottish roads, in that their condition is not only bad for drivers in winter, but also dangerously slippery in summer after rain, because there is no adequate road service; and if he will now give directions to ensure that in every county timely steps are taken to secure that road surfaces are kept in a satisfactory condition and that the authorities are in constant readiness to apply those means they have adopted as the most satisfactory for ensuring the safety of the driver.
§ Mr. MaclayI have written to the hon. Member about the letter to which he refers. The current specification to which new road surfaces are made provides for an anti-skid finish combined with satisfactory wearing and riding qualities. Conditions on particular roads are the responsibility of the highway authority concerned, but I am satisfied that in general their organisation and equipment, together with the equipment which is held by my Department at various points throughout Scotland, is adequate to keep the roads safe in all but the most exceptional weather conditions.