HC Deb 24 February 1970 vol 796 cc961-2
7. Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport when the plan already prepared to install traffic signals at the junction of Watford Road and Sheepcote Road with Kenton Road in the boroughs of Brent and Harrow is to be implemented.

Mr. Bob Brown

We expect shortly lo be able to issue grant towards the cost of a traffic management scheme which includes providing traffic signals at this junction.

Sir R. Russell

Is the Minister aware that that Answer is very welcome, but is he further aware that it is about three and a half years since my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, Central (Mr. Grant) and I went to the traffic department in Scotland Yard to discuss the problem, and that there is intense congestion at most hours of the day when there is no police control? Will he do his utmost to speed up the scheme?

Mr. Brown

I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's remarks. We hope that the works will start in the early summer and be completed within 12 months.

Mr. Grant

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is also three and a half years since one of his predecessors told me that the work on this scheme would proceed rapidly? Is he further aware that the councils have done all they can do and that the matter is now sitting on the Department's desk? In view of the great inconvenience, and indeed danger, to some of my constituents, will the hon. Gentleman put a bomb under his Department?

Mr. Brown

With respect to the hon. Gentleman, I might suggest that he puts a bomb under some of the statutory authorities. The Greater London Council did not make an application for loan sanction until last August.