HC Deb 16 February 1955 vol 537 cc379-80
44. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many comprehensive plans for the long-term development of London's road system have been produced during the last 20 years; when were they published; and what major schemes of road construction or reconstruction, recommended in these plans, have been undertaken or are scheduled for the next four years.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As the answer is rather long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Mr. Robinson

Is it not a fact that most of the major improvements scheduled for London stem from a plan which was published about 20 years ago? Does the Minister not think that there is a real need for a new inquiry into the requirements of London road development? Is he not in danger of embarking on a piecemeal programme which will not get to the root of this problem?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think the hon. Gentleman probably has in mind the Bressey Report, but there have been a number of plans submitted since, and while there is a good deal in what the hon. Gentleman says, now that the time for carrying out road works has started I am anxious not to hold them up while further planning takes place.

Mr. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no need whatever to hold up existing work as planned, but there will be a desperate need for a new look at the situation in the very near future?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not exclude that possibility, but at the moment we are getting on with the programme which has been announced.

Following is the answer: The only plan published in the last 20 years dealing solely with the long-term development of London's road system is the Highway Development Survey, prepared by Sir Charles Bressey in 1937. Road proposals are also included in six other plans for the general development of the London area; these are the County of London Plan (by J. H. Forshaw and Sir Patrick Abercrombie), 1943, Greater London (by Sir Patrick Abercrombie), 1944, the Report of the London County Council Improvements and Town Planning Committee on Proposals for Post-War Reconstruction in the City, 1944, the City of Westminster Plan (by Mr. J. Rawlins on), Reconstruction in the City of London (by Dr. C. H. Holden and Prof. W. G. Holford). and the London County Council Development Plan, 1951. The major schemes referred to in the reports which have already been carried out are the reconstruction of Waterloo and Wands worth Bridge, the improvement of Parliament Square and improvements to the southern approaches of Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. The Cromwell Road Extension, in the current year's programme, and all the schemes for the London area mentioned in my statement of 2nd February, are included in one or more of these Reports.