HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc47-9
9. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether his Press release on 2nd September last, on the redevelopment of Piccadilly Circus, represents the present views of Her Majesty's Government on the subject.

1. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects to give planning permission for the rebuilding of Piccadilly Circus.

27. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what reply he has received from the London County Council following his rejection on traffic grounds of Sir William Holford's plan for the redevelopment of Piccadilly Circus.

Sir K. Joseph

The Government's views remained as expressed in the letter sent to the London County Council on 2nd September. The Council invited Sir William Holford to look again at the scheme in the light of these views; they have received his report, and are now considering it.

Dr. Stross

Is the Minister aware that his decision means that, in effect, the needs of human beings are being sacrificed to the demands of traffic; and that the demands of traffic are quite insatiable, and will go on increasing? Further, does he not agree that Piccadilly Circus is the very centre of the West End, and should not traffic be so limited as to allow this to be a place of attraction and a resort for human beings in the way the Holford Plan envisaged? Will not the right hon. Gentleman change his mind even now?

Sir K. Joseph

I must ask the House to reject this antithesis between cars and people. The Government have, with the London County Council, to try to secure balance between, on the one hand, the interests of people on foot, and, on the other, the interests of people in cars and public transport, and in commercial vehicles, going about their business as well as on pleasure. It is the question of balance that has led the Government to make their proposals but, in order to achieve some rapid progress here, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I are urgently inviting the L.C.C. to meet us at official level in the next few days to discuss what can be done.

Mr. K. Robinson

Isthe Minister aware that Sir William Holford makes it quite clear that he cannot modify his plan in the way suggested without abandoning the whole concept, and that the L.C.C. supports Sir William in this view? Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that he is supposed to represent amenity and public interest in these matters; and that, by selling out to his right hon. Friend in the interests of traffic, he has, in the view of many people, betrayed his trust?

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Gentleman is not looking at the problem facing the L.C.C. and the Government here, which is one, not of putting all the balance on one side or the other, but of getting a proper degree of balance. It is not true that the L.C.C. has finally decided to support Sir William Holford's attitude. Its town planning committee has considered Sir William's letter, but it still remains for the L.C.C. to study it. That is why my right hon. Friend and I are urgently seeking a meeting. It surely does not make sense to redevelop the Circus on a basis which makes provision for less traffic than is carried by the roads that feed into the Circus.

Dr. Stross

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as may be.