§ 51. Sir W. Davisonasked the Minister of Transport whether he can inform the House as to the working of the recently passed Ribbon Development Act; in how many cases and for what distances, and in what circumstances, has the local highway authority granted permission for buildings to be erected with frontage to a classified road; and whether he is satisfied that the power given to highway authorities to authorise exceptions to the provisions of the Act has been properly administered?
Captain HudsonThe Act itself applied restrictions to 43,000 miles of road. Highway authorities have by resolution and with the Minister's approval extended its application to a further 21,000 miles. Highway authorities are not required under the Act to furnish the data upon which to compile the statistics asked for in the question, which would in any case be an undertaking of considerable magnitude. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that, in general, highway authorities are not relaxing the restrictions to the detriment of the roads affected, but he is carefully watching the position. Before deciding to give assistance from the Road Fund towards the cost of any scheme of road improvement or new construction, we require an assurance from the highway authority concerned that they will exercise their powers to safeguard the road in accordance with the spirit and intention of the Act.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that many of these classified arterial roads in the neighbourhood of London and other towns are fast becoming built-up streets; and does he always ask for the assurance to which he has referred from the authorities before a classified road is either made or widened?
Captain HudsonYes, Sir. My answer is quite correct, but my hon. Friend, if he goes into the matter, will find that the building that is going on, or has been going on lately, is in respect of contracts entered into before the Bill became law, and therefore we have no power to stop it.