§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and waste of time, energy, and money caused by the frequent excavation of public highways for the purpose of attending to drains, water-pipes, and cables; and whether, with a view to minimising this, he will recommend to local authorities the construction wherever possible of a permanent trench with detachable covering in which these drains, water-pipes, and cables can be more expeditiously laid and reached?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware of the inconvenience to which the hon. Member refers, but in view of the essential public services afforded by the pipes and cables I am afraid that the inconvenience is largely unavoidable. Attempts are made to synchronise road repairs with subsurface works wherever possible. The suggestion contained in the second part of the question could be of only limited application, and I have already reminded highway authorities that on new roads adequate verge accommodation should be provided for the laying of drains, pipes and cables, and their relative positions determined at the outset.