§ 37. Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the latest proposals concerning the North Cross route motorway, in particular its effect on the London Borough of Camden.
§ Mr. Graham PageNo, Sir. Proposals for this route are the responsibility of the Greater London Council as highway authority.
§ Mr. StallardWill the Minister bear in mind that there is considerable unrest and anxiety among thousands of residents and traders all along this route about the proposals? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it has been estimated that, if these proposals are accepted, together with council building programmes, at least 30,000 jobs will disappear in the London borough of Camden alone? Will the Minister take this into consideration and advise his friends on the G.L.C. of these facts?
§ Mr. PageIt is not for my right hon. Friend to take this matter into consideration at this stage. It is part of the G.L.C.'s proposed primary road network and is therefore being examined at the current inquiry into the Greater London development plan.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWill my hon. Friend accept that on this matter at least both political parties in the London Borough of Camden are united in not wanting this montrous route?
§ Mr. PageIt has to be considered by the inquiry and it would be wrong for my right hon. Friend to say anything on the merits of the proposal at this stage.