SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can hold out any hope of steps being taken to prevent the streets in London being taken up by gas, water, electric, and hydraulic power companies and various civic authorities without system, to the inconvenience of the public.
§ * MR. RITCHIEI understand that this matter is engaging the active attention of the Local Authorities, within whose jurisdiction it properly falls in the first instance. The Corporation of the City have deposited a Private Bill, in which they ask for powers to control the breaking up of the streets within their area. For the rest of London, I am informed that the County Council are in communication with the Borough Councils and hope to be in a position shortly to put forward proposals for legislation, giving them the necessary powers as central authority in this matter. Any such proposals will receive the careful consideration of the Government; and, knowing as I do the gravity of the inconvenience caused by the present state of things, I shall be glad, if it lies in my power, to help the matter forward.
§ MR. DAVID THOMASIs the London County Council at present in any way responsible for the breaking up of the streets?
§ * MR. RITCHIEI cannot say without inquiry.