HC Deb 16 June 1964 vol 696 cc161-2W
45. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure that builders who sell houses to private persons do not avoid their liability to make suitable roads within a reasonable time in the estates they are developing.

Sir K. Joseph

Generally speaking, the liability of builders to make up streets depends upon their obligations under any agreements made with the local highway authority under Section 40 of the Highways Act, 1959, or with the private purchasers. Such agreements may provide for completion of the streets within a specified time.

One of the effects of the advance payments code in Part IX of the Highways Act, 1959, is to induce builders to seek Section 40 agreements. This code applies already in boroughs and urban districts and some county councils have obtained orders applying it in rural districts. I am encouraging county councils generally to follow suit.