HC Deb 27 October 1954 vol 531 c1925
60. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the renewed representations made to him on behalf of the parish council, he will reconsider his decision not to allow a pedestrian crossing on the main road at Hatfield Peverel, Essex.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

For reasons which have been fully explained in letters to the hon. Member, I am afraid I cannot accede to the parish council's request.

Mr. Driberg

But would the right hon. Gentleman agree with what seems rather an arrogant suggestion by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport in a letter to me, on 30th April last, in which he said: I do not think it is right to suggest that the local people know their needs better than the Divisional Road Engineer? Why should not the local people know their own needs best?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

My hon. Friend is rarely, if ever, arrogant. The explanation must be that he has been associating with the right hon. Member for Battersea. North (Mr. Jay).