(1)Where a shelter or other accommodation is provided by a local authority under section four of this Act in a position obstructing access to any telegraphic line as defined by the Telegraph Act, 1878, and the Postmaster General notifies the local authority that he requires to obtain access to that line, the authority shall, unless they temporarily remove the shelter or accommodation for the purpose of affording such access, or so much thereof as is necessary for that purpose, be liable to repay to the Postmaster General so much of the expenses reasonably incurred by him in obtaining such access as is attributable to the situation of the shelter or accommodation.
(2)The provisions of the foregoing subsection shall apply in relation to any sewers, pipe-subways, pipes, wires or other apparatus belonging to or maintained by any local authority or any gas, electricity, water, hydraulic power, tramcar or trolley vehicle undertakers, as they apply in relation to any such telegraphic line as is therein mentioned, and as if for any reference therein to the Postmaster General there were substituted a reference to the local authority or the undertakers, as the case maybe.
(3)Any dispute as to the amount (if any) payable by a local authority under the foregoing provisions of this section shall be determined in accordance with subsection (2) of section two hundred and seventy-eight of the Public Health Act, 1936.