asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the traffic congestion in Oxford Street, he will modify timing of existing traffic lights to ensure synchronisation throughout the length of the street.

The authorities responsible for the traffic signals in Oxford Street are the Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Borough Councils of Marylebone and Holbom. My right hon. Friend has agreed to make a grant towards the modernisation of the signals, and the installation of the new equipment has already begun.