Mr. De la Bère:

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in considering the proposed routes for projected by-passes, he will give special consideration to the un- desirability of cutting through commons, since this practice does much to destroy the facilities for air and exercise which the commons give to all classes of the public at the present time?

Yes, Sir. The desirability of avoiding interference with commons and open spaces always receives special consideration in connection with proposals for new by-passes.

Mr. De la Bère:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my protest is on behalf of the little man, whom we are here to protect, and that the little man requires these commons for air and exercise? Will he endeavour to look into those cases?

The difficulty of acquiring common land is in itself the strongest inducement to highway authorities to avoid it if they can. My hon. Friend must remember that if the little man is to have roads we must find the land somewhere?

Mr. De la Bère:

The little man and the little woman.