HC Deb 18 December 1933 vol 284 cc904-5
22. Mr. GROVES

asked the Postmaster-General the number of telephone and telegraph poles erected within the boundary of the county borough of West Ham during the last five separate years and the area covered by underground wiring; and whether he will in future consider consultation with the local authority when proposals are made to fix telephone poles within any area?

Sir K. WOOD

For poles the figures are: 1929, 51; 1930, nil; 1931, 43; 1932, 22; 1933, 32. During the last three years, 4,387 miles of wire have been laid underground; figures for 1929 and 1930 are not available. The consent of the council is already sought before any pole is placed in a street under their control.

Mr. GROVES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the so-called consultations with this council are really not consultations as to the desires of the local authority?

Sir K. WOOD

No. Sir, I would gladly go into the state of affairs between the council and my Department, but I understand that the council will not delegate any of their powers to any of their officers, and that they have decided to deal with all these questions in general council assembled, which hardly helps matters.

Mr. GROVES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the consultations are really dictations from his Department; and will he ensure that, in future, consideration is given to the local authority's wishes before a decision is made?

Sir K. WOOD

I shall be glad to do anything I can to help, but I must remind the hon. Member that in 1930 the council declined to grant any powers, and we had to take the matter to court and an order was unfortunately made against the hon. Member's council.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a peculiarly bad council?