§ 3. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that A44 and sidewalks through Pershore, Worcestershire, have been ripped up and trenched by statutory undertakings, elec- 1472 tricity, gas, sewage, water and telephones, on 319 occasions during post-war years, thus causing vehicular congestion, inconvenience to pedestrians and wastage of public funds, rate-borne and tax-borne; and, as A44 has been re-made and resurfaced at Pershore, what steps she is taking to prevent recurrence of statutory depredations to this highway.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe arrangements for such works are settled between the county council, as highway authority, and the statutory undertakers in accordance with the provisions of the Public Utilities Street Works Act of 1950. There are restrictions on the right of statutory undertakers to break up a road within a year of its being re-surfaced
We share the hon. Member's concern about the effect and cost of statutory undertakers' works. My right hon. Friend is currently considering, with other highway authorities, ways of improving the situation within the framework of the Act and proposes to initiate discussions with the statutory undertakers.
§ Sir G. NabarroI thank the Parliamentary Secretary for that helpful Answer. Would he bear in mind that, although we all recognise the British national sport of digging holes in roads, 319 trenchings in 20 years is surely an all-time record? Can he not use his Ministerial influence directly with the statutory undertakers, all of which are nationalised undertakings, to try to prevent abuses of their legislative powers under the Acts which he mentioned?
§ Mr. SwinglerIn fact the hon. Gentleman's figure is a slight underestimate of the position. The true figure is slightly higher. My right hon. Friend recognises that this situation cries out for co-ordination. That is why we are opening discussions with all the undertakers.
§ Sir G. NabarroI am most grateful.