asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the large sums of public money now being expended on roads and the changed conditions of present-day vehicular traffic, he is aware that hundreds of different types of manholes, gullies, and other ironwork details, many of which are unsuitable or unsafe, are in daily use; and whether, in order to secure safety and economy of design and maintenance, he will take steps to bring about a definite scheme of standardisation for such details?

I am aware that there is little uniformity in the types of manholes, gullies, and other iron work used on highways. Local circumstances and conditions vary, however, so widely, that I am not disposed to attempt the, standardisation of castings for such purposes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Committee to inquire into the whole question of the upkeep and repair of roads, having special regard to the division of responsibility therefore between the State and local authorities and to the equitable apportionment of the necessary taxation between various classes of road-users?

Yes, Sir, the matter is receiving consideration. No decision has yet been arrived at.

Will a Committee actually be set up in conformity with the promise given by the First Commissioner of Works?

There has been no promise given by my Noble Friend, but in the reply which I have just read I have told my hon. and gallant Friend that the matter is receiving consideration.

But was not a promise given by the First Commissioner of Works in another place on behalf of the Government?

No.