§ 41. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the danger and inconvenience caused to motorists and to motor coach and omnibus owners, drivers, passengers and the general public owing to the lack of co-ordination, uniformity of practice and timing by local authorities throughout Scotland and England in the way they in frosty and snowy weather spread or refrain from spreading sand on public roads, especially in the early morning; and if he will take steps to ensure that in these matters co-ordination is attained and greater regard is had to public safety and convenience.
§ Mr. NugentMy information shows that the arrangements for dealing with roads made slippery by wintry conditions are generally satisfactory in the recent cold weather.
Our divisional road engineers secure a reasonable standard of co-ordination and uniformity, particularly on trunk roads, but local control of sanding and salting operations is essential because conditions vary widely both in a short space of time and over quite small areas.
The responsible highway authorities are well aware of the importance of rapid and efficient sanding and, generally, their equipment is reasonably adequate for the purpose. I do not think, therefore, that further action is necessary.
My right hon. Friend agrees that the position is broadly the same in Scotland.