§ 36. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the overcrowding of the Central London streets even during the absence of buses, what steps he proposes to take, either to reduce drastically the number of buses that will be permitted to run or to restrict private cars in order that some movement of traffic may be possible at peak hours; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe mean journey and running speeds of traffic in Central London have not altered significantly during the bus strike, although the number of vehicles has increased and the pattern of movement varied. I remain of opinion that any attempt to exercise direct control over the number of private cars entering Central London would be impracticable and undesirable. As regards buses, the Chairman of the London Transport Executive has already said that there will have to be a considerable reduction in mileage in the London Transport Area when work is resumed.
§ Mr. OsborneDoes "considerable" mean more than half? If my right hon. Friend goes down Piccadilly from the West End to this House he will find at present that private cars so choke the roads at peak hours that it would be impossible to fit in many buses? Does he think that more than half the number of buses could return?
§ Mr. WatkinsonAll these things are a matter of opinion, like the statement which has been made to me that 2½ private cars equal one bus.