HC Deb 19 July 1926 vol 198 cc886-7
48. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Prime Minister if he can now inform the House as to the constitution of the. Royal Commission on Bridges over the Thames in the London area and also as to the terms of reference to such Commission?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that the Commission is now complete, and the following gentlemen have been appointed members:

  • Lord Lee of Fareham (Chairman),
  • Sir Willoughby Dickinson,
  • Lord Hambleden,
  • Professor Charles Inglis,
  • Sir William Plender,
  • Lawrence Weaver.
The terms of reference are as follow: To survey the whole problem of cross-river traffic in London; to report what provision should be made to meet future requirements, and, in particular, to consider the proposals made in connection with Waterloo and St. Paul's Bridges. Having regard to the urgency of the question, the Report should be completed at the earliest possible date.

Sir W. DAVISON

Have the times of the sittings of the Commission yet been fixed?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is in the hands of the Chairman. Of course, the ruling paragraph is the last one.

Mr. J. JONES

Will this Commission have the right to inquire into up-and-down river traffic as well as cross-river traffic?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid I can hardly say how wide an interpretation the Commission may put on the word "cross."

Sir HENRY JACKSON

Will the Royal Commission's terms of reference include finance?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have read out the whole of the terms of reference.

Miss LAWRENCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Port of London Authority, and others who are concerned with river traffic as a whole, are exceedingly anxious about the question of the reconstruction of Waterloo Bridge?

The PRIME MINISTER

I dare say that may be so.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Will the Commission be empowered to report on the question of Charing Cross Bridge?

The PRIME MINISTER

The words are, "the cross-river traffic." Of course, a bridge anywhere would be included in that.