HC Deb 18 November 1954 vol 533 cc553-4
23. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, owing to the Lord Mayor's Show, 56 London omnibus routes were diverted, and with other heavy traffic occasioned unprecedented traffic congestion in the areas affected; and if he will now reconsider the decision of his Department in 1952 so that in future the show can be witnessed by a larger number of people, at less inconvenience and cost to workers and to industry.

Major Lloyd-George

I am not aware that unprecedented traffic congestion resulted from the arrangements for the holding of the Lord Mayor's Show this year. Only 16 omnibus routes were diverted, although a further 37 were affected to some extent. As regards the last part of the hon. Member's Question, I would refer him to the answer I gave to a Question he asked on 4th November.

Mr. Collins

Is not the Minister aware that his attitude in this matter is in complete contradiction to the Government's plans for dealing with the rapidly mounting traffic congestion? Why does he persistently refuse to make a change in this way, when there is no real opposition and when the change would be very welcome almost everywhere?

Major Lloyd-George

I think many hon. Members will agree that this show is not unpopular. It happens only once a year, and it is the only show of its kind. It is not within my power as Home Secretary to decide when it should be held, but I am glad to say that we have had great co-operation from the Corporation of the City of London, and that, as the result of a working party's report in 1952, a shorter route was recommended and was accepted by the Corporation. The police authorities inform me that the congestion this year was less than that which took place last year or the year before.

Mr. Gibson

Would it not be much better, and in the interests of more people, particularly children, seeing this show, which I agree is popular, if it were held on a Saturday, when it would interfere very much less with traffic facilities in London?

Major Lloyd-George

There is some doubt whether it would be more crowded on Saturday, because there would be a lot of people coming from the suburbs to see the show, and people are more reluctant to leave the suburbs on a Saturday, for obvious reasons. The show happens only once a year, and I think a change would not be very popular.

42. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many streets were closed, and for how long, on the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Show on 9th November last.

Major Lloyd-George

As the requested information is detailed and involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

As the right hon. and gallant Gentleman cannot hold out any hope that the horrible prospect caused by this event will be remedied, will he say what powerful influence or personal authority is responsible for insisting that all this tarradiddle should take place on a weekday afternoon, and who is preventing a very sensible change from being made?

Major Lloyd-George

I think that the question of a "sensible change" is largely a matter of opinion, and I repeat what I said earlier. Whether we like it or not, this is a very popular show with the people of London.

Following is the information: The Lord Mayor's Procession on the forward journey passed through 10 streets and parts of streets which were closed completely for about one hour. One of these streets was restricted to local traffic only for an additional hour. On the return journey the procession passed through 13 streets and parts of streets which were closed for a little under two hours in the Metropolitan area and for about 45 minutes in the City. The assembly of the procession necessitated 10 streets in the vicinity of Guildhall, being closed for 1½ hours. Part of one street was closed for three hours.