HC Deb 10 April 1957 vol 568 cc1119-20
17. Mr. R. Bell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to abate the nuisance caused by settlements of itinerant pedlars on the half-constructed carriageway of A.40 just inside the Buckinghamshire boundary and at North-moor Hill on the North Orbital Road.

Mr. Nugent

As regards the settlement by trunk road A.40 we propose to take proceedings in court if the warnings given to move are not complied with. The North Orbital Road at Northmoor Hill is a Class I road and it is for the Buckinghamshire County Council as highway authority, or the police, to take what action they think appropriate.

Mr. Bell

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that a wide expanse of the ground on the A.40 road is being used as a sorting ground for junk in which a prosperous trade is apparently being carried on from the site, and that part of it is being used as a tip for domestic refuse? Will he expedite an examination of the matter?

Mr. Nugent

Yes, we are about to take action.

Mr. Dodds

Does not the Minister appreciate that this matter affects many gipsies who have been turned off land that they have been using for many years? When will the Government take action, in a Christian country, to provide places to which these people can go so that they need not clutter up the main roads?

Mr. Nugent

I am afraid that we cannot allow them to remain on the site of this new road.