HC Deb 28 November 1956 vol 561 cc384-5
35. Mr. Isaacs

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why the work due to begin this autumn on the Elephant and Castle road improvement scheme has been delayed; how long it will be before the programme of operations will begin; and how long it is expected to take to bring the road work to completion.

Mr. Watkinson

There has been no delay here, as demolition work was started in September. Road works will start in 1957 and it is estimated that the whole scheme will be completed in 1960.

Mr. Isaacs

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, though I cannot agree that there has been no delay. I wish to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the delay which has taken place has caused considerable consternation among small shopkeepers in the area, who are frightened that they will be pushed into the back streets and that the multiple shops will take their place? As these shopkeepers serve such an excellent purpose in the area and are satisfactory to local residents, will the Minister see that the question of location is settled as soon as possible?

Mr. Watkinson

Certainly. I am not sure how much it is my responsibility and how much the responsibility of the London County Council, but I will look into the point which the right hon. Gentleman has raised.