HC Deb 22 May 1962 vol 660 cc208-10
24. Mr Driberg

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what date he reached his decision on the Oxford Road scheme.

Dr. Hill

Shortly before the decision was issued on 15th March.

Mr. Driberg

In that case, was it not a providential coincidence that there was a Question down for Written Answer on Friday, 16th March—perhaps an arranged Question? In view of the very great interest in this matter, would it not have been better for the right hon. Gentleman to have told the House about it orally?

Dr. Hill

I gave the Answer as soon as possible after the decision. It was a providential arrangement that a Question was put down enabling me to give the Answer.

Mr. M. Stewart

When the right hon. Gentleman says that it was a providential arrangement, does he mean that he arranged it?

Dr. Hill

It was a matter of cooperation.

25. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will publish in HANSARD a summary of the various proposed solutions of the Oxford traffic problem, including Sir Roy Harrod's suggestion of a tunnel, together with his reasons for rejecting all those proposals which do not involve a road across Christ Church Meadow.

Dr. Hill

I would refer the hon. Member to the summary of Sir Frederick Armer's Report following the inquiry in December, 1960. Copies of the Report are available in the Vote Office. The suggestion of a tunnel was dealt with in the evidence of the city council summarised in paragraph 55 of the report. My Department's letter of 15th March to the town clerk setting out the reasons which led to the conclusion in favour of the Meadow Road deals with the main factors affecting this and other possible solutions. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member and placing others in the Vote Office.

Mr. Driberg

Could the right hon. Gentleman say why, in his answer of 16th March, he said there was "no doubt" that the destruction of the Meadow was the most effective way of dealing with the problem? Surely there is doubt about it? It has been hotly argued for a good many years. Can he also say what he meant by —any measures which will reduce the impact of the road "—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th March. 1962: Vol. 655, c. 200.]

Dr. Hill

I have said there was no doubt, because there was no doubt in the mind of Sir Frederick Armer, who reported, and in my own mind, for I had to reach the decision.

Sir G. Nicholson

How can my right hon. Friend say that there is no doubt about this matter? Is not he aware that his decision has caused a great deal of consternation? Would not he be prepared to agree that the beauties of Oxford should be held in trust for posterity? Whether this is necessary or not, to say that there is no doubt about it is a moot point. Will my right hon. Friend carry his responsibilities a little more seriously?

Dr. Hill

The word "doubt" was used in this connection. I said: … there is no doubt that this is the most effective way to provide the relief so badly needed in the centre of the City and the University."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th March, 1962; Vol. 655, c. 200.] That I believe to be true.

Mr. Driberg

Could the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my supplementary question? What does he mean by "any measures which will reduce the impact of the road on the Meadow", in view of the fact that this Meadow is prized not only by Christ Church but by all the people of Oxford and by thousands of visitors?

Dr. Hill

One of the measures referred to was the sinking of the road, a matter left open for future consideration.