§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the disfigurement of the English countryside by the erection of petrol pumps in excess of the needs of motor users, he will suggest action to the local authorities with a view to this form of annoyance being abated?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI fully sympathise with the hon. Member's objection to any disfigurement of the English countryside, hut I do not think that any Government Department or local authorities generally have power to prevent the erection of petrol pumps on private property on the ground of disfigurement. So far as concerns their erection on land dedicated to the highway, my views are contained in a circular which I caused to be sent to all highway authorities some time ago. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this circular.