§ 22. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to insert special provisions in contracts let for motorways in urban areas to reduce to a minimum disturbance to local residents caused by dust and alterations to the subterranean water level.
Mr. Bob BrownAs explained to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldbury and Halesowen (Mr. Horner) in reply to his Question on 6th March, all roadworks contracts let by or on behalf of the Department, already contain provisions covering these matters. Much as I regret it. roadworks of the magnitude now taking place in the Birmingham area must inevitably cause some disturbance. But if my hon. Friend has information that the degree of disturbance at any particular place is unnecessary I will gladly look into the matter.—[Vol. 779; c. 167–168.]
§ Mr. PriceWill my hon. Friend accept that "some disturbance" is a considerable under-statement when applied to what is happening in part of my constituency, where the speed at which lorries used in the construction of the motorways travel causes so much dust that many of my constituents have to wash their curtains and furnishing fabrics every other day in order to keep them clean? Will he look into this matter to see whether water-spraying could be tried to keep the dust down?
Mr. BrownMy hon. Friend and I have had considerable correspondence on this matter. It is my impression that the contractors are doing everything possible to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the residents, particularly near the "prefabs" in this area. I assure him that we will certainly have another look to see whether it is possible by water-spraying to minimise nuisance.