Clause 53 - Power of street authority to
Traffic Management Bill
4:45 pm
Mr John Mann (Bassetlaw, Labour)
My concern relates to the position of local authorities, and the danger that they may be tempted to try to pass on some of the costs that they should meet, because the opportunity arises to do so. One of the problems that the clause may face is the success of the Government's economic policy, and the fact that there is a general labour shortage in many areas. It strikes me, therefore, that in trying to get competing jobs done by a local authority and the private sector, the pressure to pass on some costs from the local authority to the private contractor will become all the more appealing. What reassurance can the Minister give that that will not be allowed, and that there will be some ability for a private company to protest and get independent validation if there is any suggestion of a local authority attempting to do so?