§ 45. Colonel YATEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the progress of the town planning schemes round London, and to the necessity for the adoption of a general road scheme in connection with them; whether he is aware that such a scheme to meet the requirements of the increasing traffic of London has been published by the Board of Trade, and that if adopted and supported financially a considerable portion of the scheme might be carried out in connection with these town planning schemes at comparatively small expense; whether he is aware that if these town planning schemes round London are allowed to mature independently the opportunity for the construction of new main roads in and out of London may be lost for ever; and will he say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am aware generally of the situation referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and I understand that the Local Government Board keep the traffic branch of the Board of Trade informed of all town planning schemes that are started in the neighbourhood of London, and such efforts as are possible will be made to discourage divergent and inharmonious proposals.
§ Colonel YATEHave any special steps been taken to secure the opening of those main arteries in London?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be a great public advantage if it could be done, but there are pecuniary difficulties, as the hon. Gentleman probably knows.
§ Colonel YATEWill the right hon. Gentleman try and overcome those pecuniary difficulties?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt will be considered.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Road Board have a very large sum accumulated, and, as everybody is anxious for new roads to be opened up, could not the Government make representations to the Road Board?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Gentleman says the money is there, but that is on the assumption that the Road Board pays the whole of the expenses, which is hardly satisfactory to the taxpayers.