HL Deb 25 June 1952 vol 177 cc388-9

2.59 p.m.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, I beg to ask the first question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the London and Home Counties Advisory Committee has as yet arrived at any conclusion upon the advisability of instituting pedestrian crossings in the Royal Parks.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Works has consulted the Minister of Transport, who agrees that pedestrian crossings on roads in the Royal Parks are neither appropriate nor necessary.

EARL HOWE

While thanking the noble Earl for his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that what he has said is very much a matter of opinion, and that there will be a vast number of people who will not agree with him? May I further ask him whether it will be possible for the Minister of Works, as the appropriate authority, further to consider the position of refuges in broad drives like, say, the East Carriage Drive in Hyde Park, and also at the bottom of Constitution Hill and along the Mall, so as to enable pedestrians to cross more easily in the teeth of many converging lines of traffic?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

The answer is that my right honourable friend has considered that matter. All these matters have been present to his mind.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

Arising out of the noble Earl's answer, may I ask him if, when a pedestrian crossing is sited, the criterion is whether the volume of pedestrian traffic calls for the crossing, or if it is whether the proposed site is on an ordinary public highway? Or is it a matter of balancing both? If the criterion is that the number of foot passengers is such that clearly protection is required, then, quite frankly, I cannot see that it matters whether it is in a public park or on a highway.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

I cannot answer that question without notice. I can only give the views which my right honourable friend has reached after consideration of this problem.

LORD HAWKE

Does the answer mean that Her Majesty's Government intend in future to enforce the speed limit in the Parks?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

The answer is, Yes; the speed limit will continue to be enforced.