§ 31. Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the advisability of closing certain streets in crowded areas to vehicular traffic during the Whitsun school holidays in order to allow young children where no parks are available in the vicinity to be able to play in the streets in safety?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I am advised that it would require legislation to enable the hon. Member's suggestion to be put into force, and while the object she seeks to attain, namely, additional facilities for children to play, is one that has my sympathy, I am afraid that the practical difficulties of her proposal are too great.
§ Miss WILKINSONWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary about asking chief constables in local areas to have this done? It really is a serious matter in some areas, where it is sometimes three miles to a park.
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am advised that we have no legal power to do it, but I will inquire.