HC Deb 27 November 1950 vol 481 cc770-1
32. Mr. Nigel Fisher

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to relieve the traffic congestion in London.

34. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has for relieving the present congestion in London traffic.

Mr. Barnes

I am expecting a report on this subject by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee by the end of the year. I should like to study this report before making any statement.

Mr. Fisher

Will the Minister bear in mind, when he does so, that the situation has been deteriorating for the last five years; and that the attitude of the Lord President of the Council, expressed in his recent statement, "Do not bring your cars to London next year," is not really good enough? If the Minister lacks ideas on the subject will he consult the recent "Evening Standard" feature, which contained many constructive suggestions, including a letter from my hon. Friend the Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell)?

Mr. Haire

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he is expediting this report? Congestion in the centre of London is so bad that traffic may very shortly come to a stop.

Mr. Barnes

It was not necessary for me to expedite this report. The Standing Committee were fully alive to this problem, and considered it is a matter of urgency. They are well informed on the question, and I have no doubt that they will present a very valuable report.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the Minister make certain that the programme for pulling up London roads will not be agreed and put into operation before he has had time to consider the report on congestion?