HC Deb 24 April 1950 vol 474 cc582-3
20. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport if he has yet decided on the transport arrangements for the Festival of Britain; whether there is to be a shuttle bus service between the South Bank of the Thames, the Amusement Section in Battersea Park and the Science Section at South Kensington; and what part is to be played by the Thames bus service.

Mr. Barnes

The detailed arrangements for rail and bus services for the Festival of Britain are being worked out by representatives of the Festival of Britain Office and the transport undertakings; the particular transport needs which the hon. Member has mentioned will be borne in mind. An improved and co-ordinated service of water-buses will be provided from all piers between Greenwich and Hammersmith, as well as a shuttle service between the landing stages at the South Bank Exhibition site and the Festival Gardens in Battersea Park.

Mr. Janner

Would my right hon. Friend see that the arrangements are such as to enable people who come in from the provinces, Leicester or other towns, to take the fullest advantage of the facilities afforded and see as much as they possibly can of the Festival?

Mr. Barnes

I think that everyone is much concerned with that problem. There are certain physical difficulties of which we are aware and which are being studied and I am satisfied that the maximum cooperation will prevail between all the parties concerned.

Mr. W. Robson-Brown

Will the Minister take adequate steps to see that the ordinary public, going to and from Waterloo Station to their businesses every day, will not be inconvenienced by the Festival, and that they will not have to go to work on a shuttle service?

Mr. Barnes

We are endeavouring to influence the Exhibition traffic off the peak hours.

59. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works if, in view of the popularity of outdoor restaurants and cafes among visitors from the Continent, he will, during the period of the Festival of Britain, greatly expand all facilities of this kind in the parks and other open spaces under his jurisdiction.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Stokes)

I am prepared to consider additional facilities if the hon. and gallant Member will say what he has in mind, provided funds are available.