§ 3. Mr. Loveysasked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to make it mandatory for British Railways to consult all local authorities, including parish councils, before deciding to introduce automatic half-barrier level crossings in the area of those authorities.
§ Mr. MarshI have arranged that parish councils shall always be informed 15 at the same time as highway and local authorities of proposals to introduce automatic half-barrier level crossings in their area; they will also be invited to site meetings. I see no need for legislation on this matter.
§ Mr. LoveysI am delighted with the Minister's reply, which obviously means that he agrees that in the past lack of consultation has created difficulty. Does he not now agree—as, in fact, I think his reply obviously indicates—that local conditions must always be considered with local people on the spot before these barriers are erected rather than modifications having to be made later, which has so often happened in the past?
§ Mr. MarshYes, Sir. As I have said, in future there is no question but that parish councils will be consulted.