§ 31. Mr. Frederic Harrisasked the Minister of Transport whether she will give an assurance that she will give full 1612 consideration to the views of local authorities in deciding the road needs of their areas.
§ Mr. SwinglerYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HarrisWill the hon. Gentleman resist any last-minute attempts to interfere with the development of the Croydon east-west flyover which is very necessary to Croydon and which was agreed between the Croydon authority and the Government Departments two years ago?
§ Mr. SwinglerOf course, we do not interfere with those matters which are properly within the sphere of local highway authorities. The decisions are for them after consultation with us, and the Minister takes that fully into account.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesDoes the Minister's reply mean that he will now take into consideration the views of the Winchester City Council on the Bar End crossing?
§ Mr. SwinglerWe are already doing so.
§ Mr. WinnickMr. Speaker—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman must not wave his Order Paper at the Chair.
§ Mr. WinnickI am sorry, Mr. Speaker. While appreciating the Minister's reply, may I ask him whether he will take into consideration the fact that many of these traffic schemes will create yet further traffic difficulties in other parts of the same town? Is my hon. Friend aware of the deep concern felt by many Croydon people over the proposed east-west flyover?
§ Mr. SwinglerYes, Sir. We know that there are objections. There has been an inquiry and these matters have been considered. My right hon. Friend is always prepared to consider the views of bodies of citizens, as of the local highway authorities. The decisions have to be taken by my right hon. Friend in conjunction with the local highway authority.