§ 34. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that although local authorities have power to contribute to the cost of road work in cases of hardship or to spread the charge over a period of thirty years, this does not remove the burden which falls particularly upon the dwellers in 1000 corner houses when called upon to make up the road; and, in view of the hardship arising out of the operation of the Private Street Works Act, 1892, if he will now introduce legislation to remove this injustice and make this matter the responsibility of the local authorities.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that any amendment of the law is required. In the particular case mentioned, there may have been grounds of appeal to my right hon. Friend. I am in course of communicating with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that, in the case which I sent to him, a man bought a house, and, some years later, the local authority decided to build a road alongside it; and that this man now has to pay £424 towards the cost of building that road, which was not there when he bought the house some years ago? Will the Minister take some steps to remedy this injustice to this man, and not tell him that he can make an appeal against this decision?
§ Mr. BevinsI am aware of the particular circumstances of this case. As I say, it probably is open to him to lodge an appeal with my right hon. Friend. In view of that, I would rather not add to what I have said.