HL Deb 05 November 1946 vol 143 cc994-6WA
LORD WALERAN

asked His Majesty's Government, whether some indication can be given of the specific plans which are to be carried out in the near future for improving road communications in to, out of, and around, the Central London area and in particular what steps are being taken to commence at an early date the Cromwell Road Scheme, the Elephant and Castle Scheme, the widening of Notting Hill Gate, the extension of Western Avenue, the construction of St. Albans bypass, the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel improvement and the elimination of trams.

LORD WALKDEN

The whole question of traffic improvement schemes in the Central London area is being closely examined by the Ministry of Transport with the London County Council, the City Corporation and the other authorities concerned, and I regret that it is not yet possible to make any general or comprehensive statement on the subject.

As regards the projects to which the noble Lord specifically refers I can assure him that each of these included among the London road improvements which, with the agreement and co-operation of the authorities concerned, the Minister of Transport hopes to see given high priority and undertaken as soon as possible.

Tenders are being invited for the construction of the Dartford-Purrieet Tunnel, and the line of road for the St. Albans By-Pass has been safeguarded, and detailed plans are in preparation. I understand that the London County Council are applying to the Minister of Town and Country Planning for an Order under Section 1 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1944, declaring the Elephant and Castle area an area of extensive war damage with a view to the construction of a traffic roundabout on modern lines. They are ready to proceed with the widening of Notting Hill Gate as soon as reconstruction of the railway stations by the London Passenger Transport Board has reached a stage which will allow the road works to be started. Further Parliamentary powers are required for the schemes for the extension of Cromwell Road and Western Avenue.