§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now plans to bring in new legislation on public utilities and street work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyI have been asked to reply.
Proposals for the reform of the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950 have been drawn up with the benefit of advice from the street works advisory committee, following extensive consultation. A paper has been sent to interested parties inviting comments on the details of our proposals. A copy of that paper is in the Library. Legislation will be brought forward as soon as there is a suitable opportunity.