HC Deb 05 June 1957 vol 571 c1241
34. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further progress has been made with the scheme for a riverside highway along the Thames Embankment.

Mr. Watkinson

The London County Council, which is the highway and planning authority, examined the scheme for a riverside highway jointly with the Port of London Authority and my Department and the conclusion was reached that the project was not one which should proceed at the present time. This decision was announced last December.

Mr. Lipton

Does the Minister recall that he spoke highly of this scheme for a riverside highway from Blackfriars to Battersea? I am not asking him to he too impetuous in the matter, but will he include it in the new road programme now being prepared for the four-year period after the present programme ends in 1959? Would not it make a contribution to the relief of traffic congestion in London?

Mr. Watkinson

The question is whether one would be able to spend the £8 million to £10 million that it would cost in relieving congestion mare profitably elsewhere.