HC Deb 01 May 1923 vol 163 cc1165-6
43. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing congestion of the London traffic consequent principally on the repair of roadways, increase of general traffic, use of the busiest arteries by heavy horse-drawn traffic, etc.; whether he is now prepared to adopt and put into force the recommendations of the Committee on London Traffic or, alternatively, to adopt such of their recommendations as will afford immediate relief; and whether the Ministry can immediately do something to co-ordinate the programme of the repair work of the various local authorities so as to avoid parallel main arteries being blocked at the same time?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am fully aware of the general increase in the volume of London traffic, but I am not in a position to initiate legislation for the setting up of the London traffic authority recommended in the report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic. In answer to the last part of the question, I may say that, within the narrow limitations of my present powers and staff, I am doing all I can to promote the co-operation of local authorities with a view to mitigating the inconvenience caused by road repairs.

Viscount CURZON

Do I understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman to say he can do nothing; and, in regard to the first part of the question, is he not aware that the state of London traffic is becoming increasingly difficult, and cannot he do something to carry out the recommendations of the Committee on London Traffic?

Colonel ASHLEY

My Noble Friend must realise that legislation would be required, and that since the Report of the Committee to which he refers there has been the Report of the Committee presided over by Lord Ullswater, which not only deals with traffic, but also with town planning and drainage, and it is very difficult to disentangle these questions.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the appointment of a new Committee to investigate the results of these other Committees and Commissions?