§ 24. Colonel GOODMANasked the Minister of Transport what progress is 390 being made with schemes for railway and tube extensions and transport improvements generally in North London; what number of persons is at present employed on such schemes; and to what extent preference is given to persons resident in North London?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Pybus)The London Electric Railway Company are extending their line northwards from Finsbury Park, and expect to open part of this extension during next year. The Metropolitan Railway Company are constructing a new branch line from Wembley Park to Stanmore, widening their line between Wembley Park and Harrow, and carrying out other improvements which they expect to complete during next year. I understand from the companies that about 2,000 men are directly employed on these works. Vacancies notified to the Exchanges are generally speaking filled by men resident in the district, but I have no information as to the extent to which this preference applies to the staff as a whole.
§ Colonel GOODMANWill the hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that, as far as possible preference shall be given to local workmen?
§ Mr. PYBUSPart of the bargain with the railway companies was that, the Ministry of Labour should be consulted, with a view to employing as much local labour as possible.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the hon. Gentleman really bringing pressure to bear upon the London and North Eastern Railway Company to carry out improvements at Liverpool Street Station, as recommended by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when he was Lord Privy Seal?