§ 78. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that for a month past the main arterial Kensington Road has been partially closed to traffic owing to a private firm constructing a subway beneath the road, thereby causing loss and inconvenience to the general public; whether a time limit has been put for this construction; and whether the work can be proceeded with continuously by day and night?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The subway is being constructed, under arrangements made with the London County Council and the Kensington Borough Council, and when completed will relieve Kensington High Street of a certain amount of cross traffic. The work was commenced on 21st January last, is subject to a time limit of 20 weeks, and is being carried out in sections so as to leave half the carriage-way always open, thus enabling one line of traffic to pass in either direction. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. PONSONBYIn view of the great financial value of these way leaves to this firm, are they paying any compensation for interfering with public rights?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI would not admit that they are interfering with public rights, but I will endeavour to ascertain as to whether they are paying any way-leaves.