§ Mrs. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made towards the implementation of the report of the review chaired by Professor Michael Home of the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI announced the Government's response, accepting the great majority of the report's recommendations, on 24 July at columns.455–56. We plan to introduce amending legislation at a suitable opportunity. I hope soon to announce appointments to the proposed streetworks advisory committee. Good progress is also being made on other measures to follow up the report.
Joint working parties between utilities and highway authorities have been established to draw up the new specifications that will be needed to reinstatements, to prepare a system for the training and certification of workmen and to develop the computerised streetworks register. In addition the local authorities have agreed to enter into discussions with the utilities on the arrangements for diversionary works. I will consider in the light of these discussions whether to bring forward proposals for a cost-sharing solution.