§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the change in cost of utilities has been arising from the pilot study of the working of section 74A of the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991; [70378]
(2) what his estimate is of the likely annual change in cost of utilities to the average household following the national implementation of section 74A of the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991; [70377]
(3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the assessment of the pilot study of the working of section 74A of the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991; and when this will be available. [70379]
§ Mr. JamiesonPilot schemes to test powers under which local authorities can charge utility companies "lane rental", under section 74A of the New Roads and
334WStreetworks Act 1991, began on 4 March 2002 in Camden and Middlesbrough. No decision has yet been taken on whether to make these powers available nationally. However, the Government have appointed Halcrow to measure the impact of lane rental, in terms of its effect on the level of disruption caused by utility works, the costs which it imposes on those utilities, and the possible impact on utility customers.
Halcrow are due to deliver their first report to my Department, covering the first few months of the scheme, later this year. I will arrange for copies of their report to be placed in the Library of the House in due course.