§ 81. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Minister of Transport how many level crossings within the Metropolitan Police area have been abolished during the past five years; will he give particulars of crossings over the London and North-Eastern Railway lines within that area which have been abolished, and also those scheduled for abolition in the immediate future?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)No level crossings within the Metropolitan Police area have been abolished during the last five years. Six level crossings on the Loughton branch of the London and North-Eastern Railway and one on the main line at Green Street, Enfield, will be abolished in the immediate future. Proposals for the abolition of the level crossings at South Street, Enfield, and over the Southern Railway at Kingston Road, Merton, are also under consideration by the highway authorities concerned, but I cannot say when a decision to proceed will be reached.
§ Mr. MorrisonWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman bring pressure to bear on the London and North Eastern Railway Company in respect of those crossings within the Metropolitan Police area, which arc very dangerous?
§ Captain HudsonI wish that the abolition of level crossings could be expedited, but we are giving a special grant of 75 per cent. and doing all we can to get the local authorities to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. MorrisonWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman take note of the fact that, whereas a great many have been abolished 1818 throughout the country, none at all have been abolished during the past five years in the Metropolitan Police area?