HC Deb 25 February 1942 vol 378 cc198-9
42. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is prepared to take steps to open the private road from Bayswater to Kensington, which passes Palace Mansions, in order that travelling distances may be reduced, and economy in petrol and time effected?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The road would have to be reconstructed before it would be suitable for general traffic. Traffic needs do not justify such a course, in view of the acute shortage of the labour and materials required.

Sir H. Williams

Could my hon. Friend say whether there is any shortage of cement?

Mr. Noel-Baker

There is a great shortage of labour, and in any case cement costs money and is required for other purposes.

Sir H. Williams

The hon. Gentleman said there was a shortage of material, and I would like to know what material is in short supply.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I will make more particular inquiries as to the materials in short supply, but I hope my hon. Friend will recognise that the labour difficulty is a very real one.