§ 30. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will initiate discussions with the local authority associations on the anomalous and obsolescent state of the law on private street works, with a view to working out an agreed solution of the problems involved.
§ Mr. PowellMy right hon. Friend will consider this suggestion further if the hon. Member will let him have particulars of the problems to which he refers.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his Minister is producing a grave situation by his denial of loan sanction for private street works, and that this would be an appropriate moment for an inquiry? Is he further aware that practically every Private Bill coming before the House includes some Amendment to the law regarding particular local authority areas, thus making the law completely anomalous throughout the country? Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that I shall accept his invitation and provide him with particulars of the anomalies and obsolescences in the law in the hope that he will initiate discussions about them?
§ Mr. PowellI am grateful to the hon. Member for accepting the invitation. The question of loan sanction, which seems to be worrying him, has nothing to do with any anomalous or obsolescent state of the law.
§ Mr. MitchisonIs not the real difficulty that at present the increasing cost of repairs puts an undue burden on frontagers? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the legislation in this matter is out of date; that it is time it was reconsidered and that it is up to him and to his right hon. Friend to make suggestions and put forward proposals?
§ Mr. PowellI hope that hon. Gentlemen opposite will also play their part.