§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends that highway powers in respect of traffic signals, and the ownership of the signals, should be retained centrally, in the event of the abolition of the Greater London council.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAs has been made clear in our published consultation documents and most recently in the debate of the Report stage of the Local Government Bill — on 28 March at columns 609 and 611 — the Bill provides for the transfer of the relevant powers to the London borough councils and it will be for them to make suitable arrangements for these functions. Only if these are not agreed in good time would the Secretary of State activate his reserve power to ensure that the urban traffic control system and the services of the expert staff who support it, continue to be available to help meet the needs of road users in London.