50. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the congestion of traffic in London and the consequent waste of labour and petrol; whether the Select Committee which recently sat on Transport (Metropolitan Area) made any recommendations with regard to slow-going traffic; if so, whether such recommendations have been carried out; and, if not, what is the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. NEALYes, Sir. The Select Committee has drawn attention to the need for the better control of slow-moving traffic. The question has been under the consideration of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic and its Technical Committee, and an experiment is being carried out on two thoroughfares in the City and East End of London, where there is a great volume of slow-moving traffic.
Sir F. HALLConsidering that the Advisory Committee is sitting now, does the hon. Gentleman not pay any attention to the two Select Committees set up, one in 1918 and one in 1019: and when did they start this experiment with regard to slow-moving traffic?
§ Mr. NEALThe Advisory Committee is considering, amongst other matters, the report made by the Select Committee to which my hon. and gallant Friend referred. I cannot give the date when the experiment was commenced.
Sir F. HALLBut is the Department aware of the enormous amount of loss in consequence of the congested traffic? Does he recognise how it is held up, and should not something be done to alleviate it?
§ Mr. NEALThe existence of the Committee is the best evidence that the Ministry attaches very great importance to the question.