HC Deb 01 August 1935 vol 304 c2828
12. Mr. GROVES

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Ilford Council have frequently called the attention of his Department to the danger at Sants Hill Cross, at which seven roads converge, and asked for police supervision; that the town clerk reported to the last council meeting that he had received no acknowledgment of his representations; and, as this spot is of great danger, will he take steps to see that the appeal of the council is complied with?

Sir J. SIMON

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the junction at Gants Hill Cross. There is no trace in the Home Office of the receipt of any representations from the Ilford Corporation on this matter, but I have been in communication with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who informs me that he has received three letters from the Ilford Borough Council on the subject of the junction, dated, respectively, 31st December, 1934, 2nd January, 1935, and 24th July, 1935. A reply to the first and second letters was sent on 27th February last. In reply to the letter of 24th July, the Commissioner caused a letter to be sent to the council yesterday informing the council that arrangements have now been made for a constable to be on duty at the Cross daily, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., pending the revision of the layout, which is at present under the consideration of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee.

Mr. GROVES

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether he does not think that the Postmaster-General should be made acquainted with the fact of these lost letters? Is it not strange that, while letters to the Department have gone astray, the one that did arrive, anyhow, has met with success, for which I thank the right hon. Gentleman?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not think there is any loss of any letters. The letters, as far as I understand, were addressed to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. I have made inquiries, and have given the hon. Member the information.

Mr. GROVES

Is not that the proper Department to which to send?