Schedule 4 - Schedule 3a to the New Roads and
Traffic Management Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch, Conservative)
I refer to page 62 of the Bill. Why is the copy of the notice that must be given restricted under paragraph 2(4) to the sewer authority rather than to other equivalent authorities?
Paragraph 2(4)(e) states:
''any person who has apparatus in that part of the highway''.
How will it be possible in all circumstances to identify the person who has apparatus in that part of the highway?
Paragraph 2(6) states that
''Section 55 does not apply where, by virtue of a notice under this section, a person is required to notify the street authority of proposed street works.''
Will the Minister explain the thinking behind that? This is quite serious. I know that the Minister is keen to make progress, as I am. However, we are talking about regulations that create criminal offences, and as a conscientious Committee, the least that we can do is to ask a few questions about them. In that context, I ask the Minister to explain why, in paragraph 4(7) of the schedule, a direction
''shall cease to have effect if the works referred to in paragraphs 3(1)(a) to (c) to which it relates are not completed within such period as may be prescribed.''
I did not understand that and wondered whether other hon. Members understood it, so I ask the Minister to enlighten the Committee.