§ 49. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Transport whether any steps are being taken towards unification of working among the various Metropolitan authorities controlling electricity, gas, water, and any other services which involve the laying of pipes and cables, with a view to reducing to a minimum the public inconvenience caused by the continual breaking up of the streets?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel W. Ashley)As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, my powers under Section 4 of the London Traffic Act, 1924, in regard to the control of the opening of streets in the London Traffic Area by public utility services are limited. These undertakers, however, voluntarily supply my Department with a considerable amount of information as to any street works of importance which they contemplate carrying out, and every effort is made to co-ordinate them with other street works as far as is reasonably practicable.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, apart altogether from the general public, valuable lives 382 of hon. Members of this House are being risked every time they cross a London street?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWith regard to the question of co-ordination, may I give an instance. Piccadilly is to be repaved in the near future, and it has been arranged that it should take place in August and September, and at the same time the water company, the gas company, the electricity company and the Post Office are going to do their work at the same time, so that there will be only one road up.