§ 2. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action is being taken to relieve the traffic congestion at Victoria Gate and Alexandra Gate, Hyde Park.
§ Mr. NugentMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Works has agreed with us in principle on a scheme to widen the road into Hyde Park at Victoria Gate. Details are now being worked out.
It has not yet proved possible to work out a satisfactory scheme for Alexandra Gate which would not involve taking more land from the park than my right hon. Friend could agree to.
§ Captain PilkingtonWould my hon. Friend agree that the situation there at the present time is intolerable and is steadily growing worse? Would he also agree that no buildings would be involved if there were a different lay-out of the roads and that an obvious solution to the problem is the provision of a roundabout at both of these gates? Can my hon. Friend say why no pressing action has been taken about this long-standing congestion in London?
§ Mr. NugentI am glad that we have been able to make plans for an improvement on the north side. The difficulty about these gates is that to make the improvement would involve taking some part of the park. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Works has his responsibility to maintain and care for the park and he has not been able to go further than I have told my hon. and gallant Friend.