67. Mr. MORRISONfurther asked the Minister of Transport what is the present position of the proposal to construct a new main road in the East End of London from Aldgate to the docks?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe scheme for improving access by road to the Victoria Docks involves, as the hon. Member is aware, very heavy financial commitments and special legislation. I am afraid that I am not in a position at the present time to state when further steps will be taken in the matter.
Mr. MORRISONDoes that mean that this scheme is to all intents and purposes indefinitely held up Was not the House given to understand a year ago that it was intended to push the scheme forward without delay?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not think the hon. Member is entitled to assume that the scheme was to go forward without delay. The hon. Member is aware that very heavy commitments are involved.
Mr. MORRISONIs it not the fact that the construction of this new road would mean a saving of £1,000,000 annually?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI quite agree that it is a desirable improvement, but, as the money is not at our disposal, we cannot do all these things at once.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not the fact that this and other schemes are being held up until after next Monday?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Member is misinformed.