§ Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Postmaster-General what steps his Department took to consult the householders who were affected by recent Post Office cable-laying operations in Goddard Avenue, Swindon; and if he will now call for a report into the obstruction and inconvenience caused.
§ Mr. MarplesNone directly, though of course the approval of the highway authority was obtained. The works were in a narrow lane at the back of Goddard Avenue, and affected access to eighteen garages. I understand that the contractors consulted in advance two of the occupiers whom they were able to identify.
Such works, unfortunately, are bound to cause inconvenience, but we do our best to minimise it. I understand that the contractors ensured at the end of each day that there was access to all the garages, and that during the day the workmen made temporary arrangements to enable cars to go in and out. In one case the occupier could not wait while this was arranged. I am sorry, but I do not think more could have been done to help.