HC Deb 29 May 1957 vol 571 c389
34. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he proposes to introduce legislation to effect the necessary improvements for traffic at Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, and along Park Lane.

Mr. Watkinson

I am doing all I can to have this legislation prepared as quickly as possible, but I cannot say exactly when it will be possible to introduce it.

Captain Pilkington

Will my right hon. Friend at least say that it will be this year?

Mr. Watkinson

That is not in my hands, because the agent authority for the work is the London County Council, and it is the London County Council which has to do all the preliminary work for introducing the Measure.

Mr. Strauss

That is so, of course, but can the Minister give us any idea how long it will take, once the necessary Parliamentary authority is granted, to complete the scheme? Also, will all the preparatory plans be made meanwhile in order to speed up the completion of the scheme as much as possible?

Mr. Watkinson

With regard to the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, all the preparatory work that can be done is being done in advance of the Bill. As to how long the scheme will take after the plans are passed, perhaps he will table a Question on that point.