§ Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that much of the traffic congestion in the City 896W and West End of London is due to goods traffic passing through from customs wharves in the East End to Covent Garden and other markets; and that this traffic could be reduced if the importers could use the wharves further up the river and nearer to the markets and factories in the West and South West of London; and whether he will confer with the customs and excise authorities as to the possibility of arranging for greater facilities to be given at these wharves?
Mr. STANLEYI have received representations to the effect that traffic congestion in the City and the West End of London would be relieved if "sufferance" privileges were granted for wharves in the West and South West of London. I will confer with the Board of Customs and Excise with regard to the matter, as my hon. Friend suggests but I understand that apart from traffic considerations there are serious objections to the extension of such privileges.