§ 33. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further progress has been made with the proposal to reconstruct Hyde Park Corner, Park Lane and Marble Arch.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe Government have approved the scheme prepared by the London County Council, and is making a grant of over £4 million towards the cost, which is estimated at £5.8 million. The preparatory work of diverting the mains and cables under Hyde Park Corner started last September, and I understand that the London County Council hopes to begin the main works this autumn. These will include the conversion of Park Lane into a twin carriageway road, greatly enlarged one-way systems at Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch and a four-lane underpass between Knightsbridge and Piccadilly. The London County Council expects to complete the scheme, which will be the most comprehensive road improvement in London for fifty years, in 1962.
§ Captain PilkingtonWhile welcoming the progress made, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he expects very much traffic dislocation when the later stages are reached?
§ Mr. WatkinsonMy hon. and gallant Friend correctly surmises that we cannot carry out a big scheme like this without some dislocation. I am glad to say that the London County Council and my Ministry are trying to work out a special scheme of traffic diversion which will minimise the difficulty.