HC Deb 29 October 1957 vol 575 cc1-2W
12. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a detailed and comprehensive statement of his conclusions on the development plan for Aberdeen in relation to the Skene Street area; and, in particular, why, while accepting in principle that the area is suitable for redevelopment for residential purposes, he refuses to approve of the destruction of houses in the area bounded by Huntly, Summar, and Chapel streets, which destruction is necessary to complete the comprehensive development plan in that area.

Mr. J. N. Browne

As my right hon. Friend has already informed the Town Council of Aberdeen, he accepts in principle that the Skene Street area is suitable for redevelopment for residential purposes. Inclusion of the small area to which the hon. and learned Member refers is not necessary for redevelopment purposes, and my right hon. Friend does not feel justified in approving the destruction of the mainly sound properties which it contains.

13. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision he has reached as between the alternatives of a roundabout or an under-pass at the junction of Westburn Road, Anderson, and the Lang Stracht, Aberdeen; and when he estimates that the necessary work will begin and be completed.

Mr. N. Macpherson

In my right hon. Friend's observations on the City Development Plan he suggested to the Town Council that they should undertake a thorough examination of alternatives to the roundabout proposed for this junction. The matter now rests with them.

14. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the section of Union Street, Aberdeen, from Bon Accord Terrace to Alford Place is abnormal in its narrowness and the consequent congestion of traffic there; that he has refused to give Aberdeen Town Council loan sanction for widening this section, and that this refusal is contrary to public policy, interest, and safety; whether he will state his reasons for this refusal; and if he will reconsider the whole matter so that the public interest can be served by his agreeing to the necessary loan and to the immediate starting of the necessary work there.

Mr. N. Macpherson

This part of Union Street is about 36 ft. wide and in view of the continuing need to restrict capital expenditure to the most urgent schemes my right hon. Friend thinks that the public interest is best served by the deferment of the proposed widening until the trams are abandoned and the whole street reinstated.