HC Deb 29 July 1935 vol 304 cc2305-6
69. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that an application has been made by the West Ham Corporation for permission to fix a pedestrian crossing opposite the entrance to the playing field for children at Wharton Road, High Street, Stratford, and that permission has been refused by his Department; and whether, as this road is much used by motor lorries and heavy traffic generally, as it is estimated that the playing field will be used by 400 or 500 children, and As there is no pedestrian crossing for 30 yards either side of the entrance to the playing field, he will, in consultation with the local highways authority, reconsider his decision on this matter?

Captain HUDSON

No formal proposal has been submitted to my Department by the council, but if and when it is, my right hon. Friend will examine it at once.

Mr. GROVES

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind the fact that the local highways authority have opened this playing field specially for the holiday season, and that the children will be back at school again after that?

Captain HUDSON

I do not think my Department can be expected to deal with this matter until the local authority apply to them.

Mr. GROVES

Surely the local highways department knows more about the local requirements than the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department?

Captain HUDSON

I do not quite see the point that the hon. Member is making.

Mr. GROVES

The local authority has opened a playing field specially for the children during their school holidays, and we want a pedestrian crossing-place put there before the children go back to school. Therefore, we want it at once. We made application for it.