§ 73. Earl WINTERTONasked the Home. Secretary if his attention has been called to the constant congestion caused in 1115 Berkeley Street, Piccadilly, by vehicles of all kinds stopping at hotels, houses, and clubs in that street and afterwards turning round; and whether he will consider the possibility of adopting, for narrow through thoroughfares such as Berkeley Street, the by-law at present in force in New York city which compels vehicles after setting down to continue in the same direction to the next turning, and which forbids vehicles from setting down unless they are going in the same direction as the traffic?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am afraid Berkeley Street does not lend itself to the procedure suggested by the Noble Lord. Four years ago the Commissioner of Police endeavoured to introduce into London this method of approach and departure, but I understand that the experiment was not as successful as in cities laid out upon rectangular lines.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs it not the case that at the time this experiment was made, the police had no power to ensure its being carried out? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the great monetary loss to traders and others caused by the congestion, largely due to the existence of certain hotels and clubs in these streets?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe have taken all the relevant facts into careful consideration.
§ Mr. JAMES HOGGEWill my right hon. Friend endeavour to secure that the Noble Lord's anxiety to maintain order out of doors is extended to maintaining order indoors?
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSCould not the right hon. Gentleman appoint a small Departmental Committee to consider this question to see if they cannot evolve some scheme?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will consider that point.