HC Deb 30 June 1926 vol 197 cc1148-9
23. Captain WATERHOUSE

asked the Secretary of State for Air what special arrangements have been made for the organisation of traffic to the air pageant at Hendon on Saturday, 3rd July, so as to avert the congestion and consequent delay caused last year?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

In this matter, the Chief Commissioner of Police has been in constant touch with the staff of the Air Service. General Horwood went up to Hendon on Monday, and he was there again this afternoon. Every possible effort is being made to improve the traffic conditions. It is only fair to say that there were at the end of last week no fewer than four openings in the road between here and Hendon, and I am doing my utmost to get them closed up in time.

Captain WATERHOUSE

Are any alternative routes being made possible?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There are one or two small ones, but the main route is the one which I am afraid must be taken. There is only one main route.

Colonel DAY

Could not arrangements be made to take the motorists there by air?

Sir W. DAVISON

Could not greater use. be made of the new arterial road instead of bringing them all on the direct road—by the Edgware Road?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

There is no positive objection to anybody going round by the arterial road.

Captain WATERHOUSE

As congestion last year was caused by cars being parked at the far end, have any fresh arrangements been made in that respect?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Yes, Arrangements are being made which, I hope, will certainly be an improvement on those of last year, but my hon. and gallant Friend must remember that there is an enormous influx of cars into Hendon on this one day in the year, and it is quite impossible to provide accommodation such as is then desired for all the year round.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if this is the great road that we hear so much about, that is paved with good intentions?

Mr. BUCHANAN

How many of the right hon. Gentleman's staff are engaged in this work, and if his staff are so engaged, does he not consider they might be much better employed watching the Communist and Labour movement from raiding this House?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have taken particular care to see that that part of the Home Office work is not being neglected.