HC Deb 12 April 1954 vol 526 cc792-3
40. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will request the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee to inquire into the possibility of extending the staggering of working hours in the London Transport area and to report on its effect upon transport facilities and costs.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Hugh Molson)

This is one of a number of proposals which my right hon. Friend is considering to relieve congestion in London.

Mr. Davies

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that travelling conditions in London at peak periods are becoming impossible and that unless some constructive action of this nature is taken we shall experience a continually increasing cost inevitably followed by higher fares?

Mr. Molson

It is because of this increasing congestion that my right hon. Friend has various proposals under consideration at present.

Mr. Gibson

Will the Minister ask this Committee to give special consideration to the necessity for staggering the hours of people leaving work, especially in the Westminster and City areas where, if it were done, it would make a very great contribution towards speeding up the London traffic?

Mr. Molson

Committees were set up by the Minister of Transport in the Socialist Government, but they were wound up in November, 1949. We are considering what would be the best way of studying this very important matter of staggering working hours in London.

Mr. Beswick

When are these considerations likely to lead to a decision?

Mr. Molson

I cannot say, but it does not fall within the terms of reference of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee to consider the cost.

Mr. Callaghan

Could we be told when we are to have the first instalment of the reduction in fares which Tory speakers have promised us?