HC Deb 15 July 1936 vol 314 cc2042-4
59. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement in regard to the report received from the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee on the question of Charing Cross Bridge; and whether he will have the same published in full?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I cannot add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member last week.

Mr. DAY

In view of the very great importance of this report to the business interests affected, will the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to be able to publish it?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am quite ready to consider the publication of this report if I am made aware of any general desire that I should publish it, but it is not customary to publish reports of this nature. The hon. Member will understand that many different interests and authorities are involved, as well as a great deal of public property, but in spite of that, if there is any general reinforcement of the hon. Gentleman's demand, I will consider it.

Mr. DAY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that some of the authorities will not give permission to have certain businesses altered on account of the present prospect of Charing Cross Bridge being built?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I shall, of course, send a copy of the report to the authorities interested.

Mr. BENJAMIN SMITH

Is it not correct to say that the Press very largely have already summarised that report and have, in fact, practically published it?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, and I take this opportunity of saying that it is most unfortunate. In the case of several of these reports from the London Traffic Advisory Committee, I see extracts from them in the Press before they are sent to me.

Miss WILKINSON

If the public interest is involved, why does the right hon. Gentleman think the public should not be told these things?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have already stated that I, personally, have nothing to conceal. This is the report of an advisory committee to me. It involves several local authorities in the London area and a great many other public interests, including the acquisition of property, and I am not convinced that it is in the public interest to publish these reports.