HC Deb 10 March 1937 vol 321 cc1155-6
77. Mr. Kimball

asked the Minister of Transport the amount of the additional car-parking facilities provided by local authorities in London as a result of the powers given to them under the Ribbon Development Act to provide buildings and underground parking places; and is he satisfied with the progress made to date?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I am not satisfied at present with the progress that is being made, and it is for this reason that I am urging upon the local authorities concerned the desirability of exercising their powers as soon as possible.

78. Mr. Kimball

asked the Minister of Transport how many local authorities have taken advantage of the Order made by him last October giving them power to acquire land for car-parks, to provide buildings for use as parking places, and to provide underground car-parks; and has this Order been issued to the London County Council?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Two local authorities in London have formulated proposals and a number of others have informed me that they are examining the matter. The Order does not confer any powers upon the London County Council.

80. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has estimated the initial cost to local authorities of providing garages which would be sufficient to accommodate the number of vehicles normally parked in streets and squares; and what would be the approximate initial cost of such garages for London and Birmingham, respectively?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Parliament imposed this responsibility on local authorities.

Sir J. Mellor

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable, having urged local authorities to make full and prompt use of their powers under the Ribbon Development Act, to give them some indication of what it is going to cost?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Yes, but I think the estimate must have some relevance to the particular type of land to be acquired and the type of garage to be built.

85. Mr. Smedley Crooke

asked the Minister of Transport whether, before taking any action with reference to the proposed closing of public car-parks, he will consider the hardship such closing would inflict on many disabled ex-service men employed as attendants and for whom it would be difficult to find other employment?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The proposals should not have this effect.