No Big Cut in Road Programme I CAN state with
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certitude that the 1 road programme will not be affected in any major way by the Macmillan f.100m. economy cuts, writes our political correspondent. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has insisted on a " token " contribution of £100,000, but this will come off road maintenance and not off building.
Construction of the motorway from St. Albans to Rugby—first instalment of the London-Yorkshire motor road— will proceed according to plan. Land acquisition will occupy a year and a half and the building of the road another 21 years. It should be open in 1960.
The Minister is prepared to vary the emphasis of the road programme by building, say, bridges where these would save roads. The Severn Bridge—on which a decision has been promised for September—is a case in point.
"NEWCOMER CAN GIVE BETTER SERVICE"
BECAUSE he felt that the applicant could provide a better service in his area than existing operators, the Western Licensing Authority on Monday granted a licence to a newcomer. The railways and four hauliers opposed the application by Mr. S. F. Crowe, Coln St. Aldwyns, near Cirencester, for a B licence for a vehicle to do general transport.
Applicant was formerly a farmer, but a year ago took over a coal business. This did not pay in the summer and he wished to provide haulage within 25 miles. He was supported by two farm managers and was promised work in carrying concrete blocks.
The objectors said that they could perform the work that the applicant wished to do, as they were not fully employed during the summer. The Authority thought that customers in the area should have an operator upon whom they could rely for small services.
B.T.C. LOSE APPEAL
THE Minister of Transport has rejected an appeal by the British Transport Commission against the renewal, with modifications, by the West Midland Licensing Authority of the licence of Transglobe, Ltd., to run excursions and tours from Birmingham. An extension in facilities was held to be justified. Costs are to be borne by the Commission.