§ 20. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will bring forward proposals to give local authorities powers to control the building of major underground pipelines by nationalised industries.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BeithIs it not wrong that a local planning authority should have no power whatever over such major developments taking place within its area? Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the concern in Northumberland, which has a second major gas pipeline project going through the county, about the dangers posed by pipelines close to residential areas and areas where heavy agricultural equipment is used and about dangers from air 957 crashes, one case of which we had fairly recently?
§ Mr. BarnettI am aware of the degree of activity going on in Northumberland, but I believe that the hon. Gentleman knows that under the present arrangements there is the fullest consultation with all local authorities concerned. To secure permission from each local authority would, I believe, be unworkable.
§ Sir T. KitsonWill the hon. Gentleman think again about this matter, having in mind, for example, that recently in my constituency a gas pipeline had to be moved 100 yards because of increased development, at a cost of £350,000? That pipeline had been there for only a short period of years. This really is not good enough, and the co-ordination at present is not adequate.
§ Mr. BarnettI am assured that full consultation does take place with local authorities. That is certainly expected of the authorities which carry out this work, and I believe that that is the right way to proceed.