HC Deb 16 February 1960 vol 617 c1120
29. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Works whether he will reopen the car parking facilities on the north side of the Mall to relieve the continuing congestion of traffic in the Central London area.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harmar Nicholls)

No, Sir.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

When thinking of the setting up of a comprehensive scheme of parking meters for the central area, will my hon. Friend consider reopening this little part under the trees temporarily during the summer months?

Mr. Nicholls

I assure my hon. Friend that we are being very co-operative, recognising the importance of the traffic problem. To help until the parking meters are available in parts of Mayfair, we have agreed for the Horse Guards Parade still to be available for parking.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Minister aware that something like 60,000 cars come into Central London every day? If he thinks that that influx of cars is right and proper, when will he do something about accommodating them?

Mr. Nicholls

The particular part of London mentioned in the Question would not make all that difference. We co-operated in the Christmas arrangement and, as I have said, we are still leaving the Horse Guards Parade available for parking.

Mr. Jeger

Is the Minister aware that the Horse Guards Parade and the Mall provide a very good car parking arrangement except for the fact that the facility terminates at 10 p.m.? Is he aware that if he wants to get cars off the streets in the West End of London, the time should be extended to 11 p.m. so that the theatre-going public can put their cars off the main streets and into the car parks?

Mr. Nicholls

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.