HL Deb 06 March 1962 vol 237 cc1097-8

2.48 p.m.

LORD TEYNHAM

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can now state their proposals for a one-way traffic route in Oxford Street and whether the Oxford Street Association has been consulted in the matter.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)

My Lords, my right honourable friend is still considering the many comments which he has received on the outline proposals announced last August, including those of the Oxford Street Association. He is also considering other important details, such as possible alternative routes for buses. My right honourable friend has not overlooked his promise to discuss details with the Oxford Street Association before a decision is reached.

LORD TEYNHAM

My Lords, arising out of the reply of the noble Lord, may I ask whether he is aware that repeated requests have been made by the Oxford Street Association to discuss the matter with the Ministry of Transport, without any success?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I suppose I must be, if the noble Lord says so. But when this scheme was announced it was made clear to objectors that it was an outline scheme and that all representations would be very carefully considered. And, my Lords, that is being done. The Oxford Street Association made representations which, as I said in my first Answer, are among those which are being considered. There will have to be further discussions with various interested bodies, such as the Oxford Street Association; and I have already said that my right honourable friend has not overlooked his promise to do so. That will be done. So if repeated requests to meet my right honourable friend have been unsuccessful, it is probably because he does not consider he is yet in a position to have further discussions, but that will happen in due course.

LORD REA

My Lords, would the noble Lord bear in mind that the primary object of the street is presumably to facilitate transport or passage from point A to point B, and is not necessarily in the interests of those who choose to build shops upon it?

LORD TEYNHAM

My Lords, does the noble Lord not think that it would be beneficial, and in the interests of all concerned, if a preliminary meeting of the Oxford Street Association were held before the Minister of Transport makes up his mind?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, really this is going a little far. I have already said twice that my right honourable friend has not overlooked his promise to have further consultation with the Oxford Street Association before he comes to any decision in the matter. I do not see how I can be expected to go further than that; or why reason should dictate that I should.