§ 45. Mr. ALBERYasked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House as to what decision the Government have reached concerning the construction of a Lower Thames tunnel as a result of the deliberations of the Royal Commission on London Bridges and the London Traffic Advisory Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)A Lower Thames tunnel between Dartford and Purfleet has been recommended by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, but they considered the Victoria Dock Road Scheme and other schemes more urgent. The Royal Commission also recommended the corstruction of the tunnel.
The position of the Government is indicated in the answer given by me to questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Kensington South and Greenwich on Wednesday last, that Waterloo Bridge, Victoria Dock Road, Charing Cross and Ludgate Bridges are considered the most urgent matters and that the other schemes recommended by the Royal Commission, including the Lower Thames tunnel, will form the subject of negotiations with the local authorities subject to the limitations contained in that answer.
§ Mr. ALBERYCan we take it from that that it is definitely decided that the position of such a tunnel would be between Dartford and Purfleet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only say, in answer to that at this moment, that negotiations will proceed with the local authorities on the lines of the Lee Commission Report. I imagine that no alteration in the recommendations would be made, supposing the financial adjustments could be made, without the consent of the local authorities.