93. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there has been no reduction in the congestion with regard to street traffic; whether the Select Committee on Transport (Metropolitan Area) made several proposals for the alleviation of such congestion; whether ally of the suggestione have been carried out; and, if so, which?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe steps which have already been taken to alleviate congestion at certain points are undoubtedly proving useful, but substantial alleviation cannot be expected immediately, seeing that this period of the year is necessarily the heaviest for street traffic. The Chairman of the recently-appointed Advisory Committee on London Traffic was also Chairman of the Select Committee, and is therefore aware of the suggestions referred to. The Select Committee reported that the evidence they had received showed the need for certain measures, and those which are considered immediately necessary and can be brought into effect without further legislation are being given effect to; these include better control of traffic, arrangements for stopping-places for omnibuses as for trams, and the formation of queues.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that no notice has been taken of the recommendation with regard to slow-going traffic, and that that is the chief factor in the congestion in many important streets; and will he immediately take steps to bring the suggestions on that point into operation?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThat is a matter which is having the attention of the Committee which has been appointed, and I would remind my bon. and gallant Friend that both Committees have the same Chairman, so that he is fully advised of the recommendations.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman turn some of the Fleet Street traffic down the Embankment, and so relieve the congestion in Fleet Street?
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although the Chairman of this Advisory Committee is the same as of the Select Committee on Transport (Metropolitan Area), we have no tangible knowledge that anything has been done on the lines indicated? Will he take steps in the matter? That is all I ask.
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe question is being considered by the Committee, and by the Technical Committees which they have appointed, and no single recommendation has been turned down. The whole question is being tackled as fast as inspection on the spot allows.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to have no answer to my supplementary question?