HC Deb 16 May 1956 vol 552 cc1995-6
53. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now state the action he proposes to take to encourage staggering the time of arriving and leaving work in London in order to relieve congestion at peak hours.

Mr. Watkinson

Soon after my reply to the hon. Member on 7th March I discussed this question, as forecast in that reply, with Mr. Fitzgerald, the Chairman of the London Transport Users' Consultative Committee and of the sub-committee which has been concerned with staggering. Some useful suggestions arising out of that discussion, for which I am largely indebted to Mr. Fitzgerald, have since, been receiving careful consideration in detail, and I hope to make an announcement as soon as this consideration has been completed.

Mr. Davies

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he expects that action will be taken soon, as the matter has been under consideration a very long time and should be acted upon as speedily as possible?

Mr. Watkinson

I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter, because it is a most important problem for the London travelling public, and I hope before long that we shall have some new suggestions to bring forward.