§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will make a statement on the implementation of Section 26(5) of the Highways Act, 1971 in respect of conveniences on highways; whether he intends to operate in conjunction with county councils and county districts; and whether maintenance grants will be paid to an authority managing conveniences erected under this new power;
(2) whether he will invite county and district councils to submit proposals for conveniences to be provided under Section 26(5) of the Highways Act, 1971;
(3) how many conveniences for provision under Section 26(5) of the Highways Act are under negotiation at present; and where are they;
(4) what estimate he has made of the need for further conveniences to be provided under Section 26(5) of the Highways Act, 1971;
75W(5) how many public conveniences under the pilot scheme were being negotiated and were not implemented by his Department before the £50,000 allocation expired.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineOne installation under the pilot scheme which led to the provisions of Section 26(5) of the Highways Act, 1971, is still outstanding.
Discussions on the provision of trunk road toilets will commence shortly after this section of the Act comes into force on 1st November. Divisional road engineers are meanwhile considering what numbers may be required.
Close liaison will be maintained with the authorities concerned and their views taken into account on the siting of individual installations.
Maintenance costs will be payable to authorities undertaking management of the installations. On principal roads my right hon. Friend is prepared to consider applications for grant.