HC Deb 01 November 1955 vol 545 c841
38. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Works to make a statement regarding improvements to the road entrances and exits of Hyde Park.

Mr. Birch

I have agreed to an experimental roundabout inside the Park near the Victoria Gate. There are proposals for the Albert Gate and for a re-arrangement of roads at Alexandra Gate which I am considering. The Park Lane scheme is still under examination.

Captain Pilkington

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply is satisfactory so far as it goes, because the present waste of time, petrol and temper in Hyde Park is really intolerable?

Mr. Birch

I realise that there are traffic difficulties. On the other hand, it is important to remember that the parks are things of beauty and not only potential traffic roundabouts.

Mr. Stokes

In view of what the Minister has just said about the parks being things of beauty—with which I entirely agree—will he give an assurance that before any messing around in Park Lane is done he will consider the alternative scheme which has been put forward, so that the alternative double carriageway up Park Lane can be constructed without any serious interruption of the internal park carriageway, which can be maintained immune?

Mr. Birch

The scheme and all the possible alternatives to it are receiving very careful consideration.