HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc517-8
16. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Minister of Transport why he has refused to approve the provision of an omnibus station at Lower High Street, Cradley Heath, Staffordshire.

Mr. Marples

After examining the local council's proposal, I came to the conclusion that I would not be justified, on grounds of urgent necessity, in recommending sanction for a loan of £ 14,000 for this purpose at the present time.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not the case that this proposal for an omnibus station was approved in principle by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government three years ago, and that the Rowley Regis Borough Council has incurred expenditure of £ 7,000 for land acquisition and preliminary work? Is it not most unfair that a local authority should be the victim of different decisions by different Departments in this way? Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to indicate that he will give this very sympathetic consideration as soon as possible?

Mr. Marples

In view of what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said, I will look at this matter again. When it was looked into carefully, the scheme was considered desirable but neither essential nor urgent. But I will look at it again in the light of what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said.