HC Deb 10 May 1961 vol 640 c48W
69. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport if he will inquire into the possibility and advisability of having a tunnel constructed under the centre of all new motorways along which could be installed the gas, water and electricity mains and oil pipes, so that they could be easily examined and repaired without disturbing the road surface frequently and causing much damage in addition to delaying traffic.

Mr. Marples

Public utility apparatus is not normally installed along the route of a motorway. If exceptionally this were allowed the apparatus would be installed in the verges, so no question of damage or disturbance to the road surface would arise. I do not think that the provision of a tunnel, which would be costly and have other serious disadvantages, would be justified.