§ 1 and 2. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) in respect of applications for loan sanction for private street works from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, what local inquiries have been made by inspectors of his Department about the dangers to health and safety arising from the present state of these streets ; and with what results ;
(2) the total value of loans for which Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have asked for sanction in respect of private street works since the beginning of the year ; and what amount and proportion he has approved.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. Enoch Powell)Since the beginning of this year, the borough council has applied for loan sanctions totalling £7,120 for private street works. All were initially rejected, but renewed applications in respect of three roads, said to be in particularly bad condition, are now under consideration, and in this connection a visit will shortly be made by one of my right hon. Friend's engineering inspectors.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the hon. Member aware that my constituents are absolutely fed up with this situation and that in Newcastle-under-Lyme we have a terrible Tory legacy of privately-owned and neglected streets which require to be made up and brought under public control? Will he, therefore, pay particular attention to this situation because, irrespective of party politics, my constituents are unanimously agreed that these streets are an urgent priority?
§ Mr. PowellLocal authorities are entitled and are indeed invited to bring to my right hon. Friend's attention particular cases of streets the need for the making up of which is urgent.