§ Lieut. - Colonel MOORE - BRABAZONasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the state of traffic congestion existing in the West End to-day, which is not wholly due to roads being under repair; whether the holding up of the main arteries for the passage of cross traffic is left to the policemen or has it any coordinated policy which prompts it, and, if so, what is that policy; is he aware that south-going traffic along Park Lane is much retarded by the arbitrary closing of Hamilton Place for no apparent reason, arid what is the reason for this; why in that there is but one gate open at Hyde Park Corner only traffic going north 1083W should be allowed through it; is he aware that the new system of traffic regulation opposite the Houses of Parliament causes much congestion and waste of time, and will he take steps to revert to the old system; and will he take steps to appoint a committee to investigate the whole subject of street traffic with a view to advising him as to what action should be taken to get back at least to the former conditions?
§ Sir ERIC GEDDESThe first four parts of the question refer to the powers exercised by the police, and would be appropriately addressed to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. As regards the last two parts, the alterations in traffic control in Parliament Square are being carried out on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, and an improvement in general traffic facilities is anticipated as a result of this experiment, which is being carefully watched. All matters relating to traffic congestion in London are being considered by the expert Technical Committee of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, and it is not thought necessary to appoint another committee.