§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what factors are delaying the introduction of legislation to implement the recommendations of the street works advisory committee in relation to excavation of roads by public utilities; what representations he has received from the relevant statutory undertakers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe street works advisory committee is advising the Department on our proposals for legislation to implement the Home report. The proposals are not yet complete because we are awaiting the outcome of negotiations between the public utilities and highway authorities on the issue of diversions to utility apparatus required as a consequence of highway improvement works.
The Government are committed to legislation and we are seeking a suitable opportunity to introduce it, but we have a full programme of legislation.
The statutory undertakers in their collective response to the Horne report supported the need for legislation. Letters from the chairmen of British Gas and the Electricity Council support its early introduction.