§ 57. Sir FREDRIC WISEasked the Minister of Transport whether, as the three traffic Reports on London and district have now been issued, he will state what he now proposes to do in connection with the problem?
§ Colonel ASHLEYOfficers of my Department have been, and are still, in consultation with the railway companies concerned, with a view to effect being given to certain of the recommendations contained in the three Reports of the London Traffic Advisory Committee referred to in the question. As regards some of the major works recommended by the Committee, the companies state that they are not in a position to incur the large capital expenditure involved under the present conditions. At my request the Committee are now exploring the possibility of securing some measure of co-ordination, or co-operation, between the respective transport agencies.
§ Sir F. WISEWho are on this new Committee?
Commander WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the approximate cost, and what is the value of these Reports if they are not used?
§ Colonel ASHLEYMy hon. Friend must not assume that they are not going to be used. The last one was only published a fortnight ago.
§ Sir F. WISEIs another Report to be issued?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWe have just issued one.
§ Mr. B. SMITHCan the right hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made with co-ordination as recommended?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot say. I only know that close negotiations are going on, but no final decision has been reached.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the discussions which are going on, the main line railway companies are included, or is the discussion only with the omnibus, tramway and tube undertakings?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt includes consultation with the main line railways.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSHas any decision yet been arrived at in regard to the Victoria Dock Road scheme?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat does not come into this matter.