HC Deb 26 April 1920 vol 128 cc826-7
62. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce the decision of the Government as regards the Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic recommending the setting up of a traffic committee for Greater London; and whether the Government propose to introduce legislation this Session on the subject?

Sir E. GEDDES

The Government has considered the Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, and, while accepting in principle the recommendation to set up a Central Traffic Authority for London, recognises that complicated questions in regard to finance and the relationship of the Authority to the Departments of State and to the local authorities are involved. These require and are receiving close attention.

Mr. KENNEDY JONES

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that until the whole question of London traffic has been decided you cannot deal with the transport of the whole country, because it all converges upon London?

Sir E. GEDDES

Obviously you cannot deal with the transport of the whole country until you consider London, but I do not see why progress should not be made.

Mr. JONES

Why is there this delay in the matter of London traffic?

Sir E. GEDDES

Because the report of the Committee over which my hon. Friend presided is a very long and important one, and requires consideration.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman's Department do all they can to do away with the enormous congestion that we have in London, and not wait?

Sir E. GEDDES

With that object a Committee was appointed to consider, for the fourth time in 15 years, the London traffic problem, and I am doing my best to give effect to it.