HL Deb 28 January 1953 vol 180 cc24-5

2.39 p.m.

EARL HOWE

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask whether Her Majesty's Government are aware of a proposal to erect a large hotel at the corner of Conduit Street and Bond Street; whether this proposal has been considered by the London Traffic Advisory Committee; whether it is realised that this road intersection is one of principal focal points of London traffic in the central area and that a hold-up here can obstruct the traffic of the main arteries in Piccadilly, Regent Street and Oxford Street and the whole central area, and, if so, can further consideration be given to the proposal before final approval is given.]

THE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are well aware of this proposal. It has not been referred to the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, but I know that the London County Council, who are the planning and improvement authority, are anxious that when this site is being redeveloped the traffic flow at the intersection referred to shall be improved—for example, by widening the carriageway and perhaps by placing the present footway in Bond Street inside an arcade under the building. The noble Earl can be assured that the important point to which he has drawn attention will not be lost sight of.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that a really bad hold-up here will "chew up" the traffic in the central area of London to an incredible degree? Can the noble Earl assure us that this matter will be referred to the London Traffic Advisory Committee? After all, what is that Committee for, unless it is allowed to offer its observations on just such a proposal as this? Furthermore, is it not important to see that provision is made by those behind the proposition to provide for the parking of motor vehicles within the site—that is to say, on the underground floor of any building erected there'? It seems to me that this matter is of some urgency, and f hope that the noble Earl will be able to give us an assurance that the Traffic Advisory Committee will be enabled to express an opinion on the proposal.

THE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD

My Lords, this matter has come to my attention somewhat late and I am unable to emulate the picturesque phraseology of the noble Earl; but I can assure him that I have listened very carefully to what he has just said and will go into it. And I will, if I may, report to him personally on this subject.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, is there not another consideration which has been lost sight of, and that is, that Bond Street is almost unique in its special characteristics and that it is not a place to put a great hotel?

THE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD

My Lords, in answer to the noble Lord, I am strongly opposed to building great hotels in beautiful streets, but that is apparently the position with which we are confronted. I do not think, however, that I can go any further at the present moment.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, when the noble Earl is communicating with the noble Earl, Lord Howe, can the answer be published in such a way that the rest of the House may be able to see it?

THE EARL OF BIRKENHEAD

My Lords, I shall be very pleased to see that that is done.