HC Deb 12 July 1956 vol 556 cc592-3
56. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Metropolitan police closed a section of Whitehall to traffic during the morning of 5th July; for how long traffic was diverted; and whether, in view of the congestion, inconvenience, and delay involved for the public, he will be a statement.

Major Lloyd-George

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that on his instructions part of Whitehall was closed to vehicular traffic for twenty minutes on the morning of Thursday, 5th July, during a ceremony at the Cenotaph in which His Excellency the Venezuelan Ambassador laid a wreath on the occasion of his country's National Day.

Mrs. Jeger

Will the Home Secretary try to ensure that such ceremonies are held without diversion of traffic, which is already sufficiently congested? Is he further aware that the least inconvenience which was caused by this involved Members of Parliament being made late for Committees at 10.30 a.m.?

Major Lloyd-George

The hon. Lady will appreciate that, although I am anxious to do everything I possibly can to do nothing to increase the congestion of traffic, in this particular instance I could not really do much. On special occasions it is very difficult to refuse, but I am naturally anxious to do everything I can to avoid increasing the present congestion.