§ 44. Mr. SNELLasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that work on the south circular road at Woolwich has been held up for some time; that this work would give employment to a considerable number of men; and will he state what is the present position in regard to it and when it will be possible to proceed with the work?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONWork is temporarily held up at one point by reason of difficulties with respect to the lay-out of the junction with Well Hall Road. Negotiations are proceeding for the acquisition of land, but I am unable 1135 to say when these will be completed. Work is proceeding on other sections of the road and tenders for the new bridge to carry the Southern Railway over the road will be advertised by the London County Council early next month.
§ Mr. MILLSAs a temporary measure, will my hon. Friend set back the road so as to give pedestrians a safer chance of walking between the wide margin of the uneven road which at present exists?
§ Mr. MORRISONThat point has been under consideration. The hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Snell) knows that I will do everything I can to expedite the matter. In another capacity I have been engaged on this task since 1922.
§ Colonel ASHLEYCan the Minister of Transport say when this circular road will be completed?
§ Mr. MORRISONI cannot say. I understand that these schemes were inaugurated under the Coalition Government, many years ago, and doubtless the right hon. and gallant Member knows what happened during the period when he was Minister of Transport. I am doing my best in the matter.