HC Deb 26 November 1930 vol 245 c1314
66. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the public inconvenience and loss caused by the frequent disturbance of road surfaces by public utility undertakings, effect can be given to the suggestion which has reached him from Wiltshire and other local authorities that power in this matter should be vested in the road authorities concerned?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

The right of public utility undertakings to open the highway for the purpose of laying and repairing service mains and connections is governed by Statute; but I understand that in many districts arrangements are in force whereby the reinstatement of the road surface is performed by the road authority at the expense of the undertaking.

Mr. HURD

Will the hon. Member use his influence to get that practice more widely extended?

Mr. MORRISON

I am always in favour of public enterprise.