HC Deb 11 June 1934 vol 290 cc1349-50
46. Mr. SELLEY

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the event of the London County Council deciding to recondition Waterloo Bridge to take four lines of traffic as desired by the House, he will be prepared to consider with the London County Council the desirability of providing a new bridge in the neighbourhood of Charing Cross to meet the requirements of cross-river traffic?

Mr. STANLEY

I am of course always prepared to consider any proposals for improvement of cross-river traffic which may be put before me by the responsible highway authority.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Royal Commission urged this as a most urgent matter in connection with cross-river traffic, and is he also aware that, unless something is done immediately or in a very short time, the opportunity of doing anything will be gone for ever owing to the building operations which have hitherto been stayed?

Mr. STANLEY

I am aware of the first part of the question because my hon. Friend has repeatedly told me so himself, but I am not aware of the second part.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

Does my hon. Friend or his Department propose to take any initiative?

Mr. STANLEY

I have no power to take the initiative in these matters. It must come from the highway authorities.