§ Mr. J. F. REMNANT (for Mr. Joynson-Hicks)asked whether the President of the Local Government Board is aware that the following angles of side-fall to the gullies in New Oxford-street, between Kingsway and Tottenham Court-road, have been measured along the length of roadway, namely, 1 in 23.6, 1 in 23.3, 1 in 19, 1 in 21.3, 1 in 13.7, and many others below 1 in 25; and whether he will cause a report on these dangerous inclinations, which affect motor, cycling, and horse traffic, to be made by one of his inspectors with a view to making representations, if the facts are as alleged, to the Holborn Borough Council?
§ Mr. BURNSI have no information as to the accuracy of the measurements mentioned in the question, but I understand from the borough surveyor that, in accordance with modern practice in road construction, the surface for a few feet around gully gratings has been given a slightly steeper fall than the rest of the road, to facilitate the removal of rainwater; also that, in consequence of the fact that the land rises sharply on the north side of the street, it is impossible to avoid making a steeper camber at the intersection of the side streets. Apart from these instances, the general inclination of the road is 1 in 38, and I learn that, although the road has been open for traffic for several weeks, no accidents have been reported. I have no jurisdiction with 614 regard to the construction of roads by a Metropolitan borough council, and I do not think I can properly intervene in the matter.
§ Mr. REMNANTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has received any complaints from anybody else except motor car owners?
§ Mr. BURNSI have not had any other complaints. The question put by the hon. Gentleman is not alone connected with motor cars.