§ 9. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will bring forward legislation to amend the Private Street Works Act. 1892, so as to provide authority and financial grants to local authorities to make up unmade roads where such roads are in a dangerous condition.
§ Mr. SandysLocal authorities already have statutory power to make up private roads. But I am not convinced that financial assistance from the Exchequer would really be justified.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill not the Minister investigate this archaic system? Is not he aware that very heavy charges are now being levied upon comparatively poor people who are unfortunate enough to reside in private streets which ought to be taken over by local housing authorities? Is not it about time that a system was introduced—where there are many of these streets, unfortunately inherited from the past—whereby the financial burden would be spread a little wider than it is at present?
§ Mr. SandysUnder the existing law it could be spread a lot wider than it is. Local authorities themselves have the power to contribute to the cost of these roads, but they very seldon do so.