§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)asked the hon. Member for the Knutsford Division of Cheshire, On what grounds the Metropolitan Board of Works have changed their original intention of proceeding at once with the vehicular tunnel at Black-wall; when does the Board expect to be able to commence the vehicular tunnel; how long will it take to complete the foot tunnel; and, what is the estimated cost?
§ MR. TATTON EGERTON (Cheshire, Knutsford)In answer to the hon. Member's first Question, I must refer him to my answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Tower Hamlets, Bow Division (Sir John Colomb). The Board will be ready to enter into the first contract as soon as the question of re-housing the artizans displaced on the north approach has been decided by the Home Secretary, to whom an early application will be made to allow of re-housing in adjoining workmen's houses and unoccupied artizans' dwellings, constructed on surplus land sold by the Board. The general plans have to be approved by the Thames Conservancy, the Dock and Railway Companies, and they will be laid before 244 them within 10 days. The Board's engineer advises us the first tunnel will be complete in 12 months from date of commencement. The estimate from drawings will not be made until their general approval.