HC Deb 07 June 1967 vol 747 c1039
6. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Transport what representations she has received concerning the provision of a pedestrian crossing at Maybury Hill, Woking; and what reply she has sent.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend received a request from the local authority for a pedestrian crossing here. As I told the hon. Member in my letter of 31st May, 1967, we consider that a crossing near the junction with Princess Road is justified. The local authority has been informed.

Mr. Onslow

That news is welcome after all this time, and it has been welcomed, but is the Minister aware that the snail's pace at which his Department moves in these matters is inexcusable? Why did the Department make no effort to bring to the attention of local authorities that the criteria for pedestrian crossings had been revised?

Mr. Morris

I can completely rebut the charge that the Department moves at a snail's pace in these cases. The hon. Member wrote to the Ministry at the end of January. The divisional road engineer visited the council in February and discussed the type of information required from it by way of counts. Later, in May, the council asked him to expedite the matter and he replied that no information had been received from it. As soon as the information was received he visited the site within a matter of days and a decision was taken. I must rebut the charge made by the hon. Member.

Mr. Onslow

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.