HC Deb 01 March 1960 vol 618 cc999-1000
2. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Works if he will consult the Minister of Transport with a view to completing the plan for a road from Piccadilly between the avenue of trees and through the gates by the roundabout outside Buckingham Palace in order to relieve the traffic congestion in the vicinity of St. James's Palace.

Lord John Hope

My right hon. Friend and I are satisfied that such a road would have more disadvantages than advantages.

Sir W. Wakefield

Will my right hon. Friend say what the disadvantages would be when there would be such obvious advantages in the relief of traffic at this very congested part of central London?

Lord John Hope

The junction with Piccadilly would, we feel, increase congestion in Piccadilly and the southern outlet would give rise to difficulties in traffic circulation at the Queen Victoria Memorial. In addition, such a road would cut in half what is already a small park.

Captain Pilkington

Has not the Minister of Transport been pressing the Ministry of Works on this subject for some time? Will not the Ministry of Works be a little more forthcoming and co-operative?

Lord John Hope

I thought I had made it clear that my right hon. Friend and I are both satisfied that this road would have more disadvantages than advantages. I am not aware of any pressure from my right hon. Friend to the contrary.