HC Deb 25 November 1992 vol 214 cc664-5W
Mr. Sproat

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons his Department has not yet responded to(a) applications made in September 1991, for permission to have tourist directional signs erected saying Historic Harwich and Harwich Redoubt on the roadside at the Parkeston junction A120 and (b) an application made in April 1992, for signs at Main Road/Barrack Lane A136 in Harwich; if he will now give permission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 23 November 1992]: On 13 August this year my Department received a request from Essex County Council for authorisation of a tourist sign saying "Harwich Redoubt" to be erected at the junction of Main road and Barrack lane in Harwich, not at the A120 Parkeston roundabout. Authorisation was given on 28 August.

The Department has received no other applications for similar signs but we understand that Essex county council has been in correspondence with the promoters of such signs, and the county surveyor is writing to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Sproat

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for permission to erect tourist directional signs are currently pending with his Department; and if he will state for how long each has been pending.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 23 November 1992]: There are currently 22 applications pending. Applications frequently call for detailed negotiation with the tourist board, the local highway authority, and the attraction operator. These negotiations can take some time; successful conclusion requires the agreement of all parties. At present pending applications have been with the Department as follows:

Applications
Less than 1 month 9
Between 1 and 3 months 5
Between 3 and 6 months 3
Between 6 and 12 months 3
Over 12 months 2

Mr. Sproat

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria he considers when asked to approve or reject applications for tourist directional signs to be erected.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

[holding answer 23 November 1992]: To be eligible for signing, tourist attractions must be recognised by the appropriate regional tourist board and the highway authority. The criteria used to consider applications are set out in the Department's circular, Roads 1/91, a copy of which is in the Library.