HC Deb 31 July 1930 vol 242 cc680-1
65. Sir GEORGE HAMILTON

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in his efforts to get a tube built between Liverpool Street Station and Ilford; and what he is doing to deal with the congestion of traffic on this line, which is daily getting worse?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I am informed by the London and North Eastern Railway Company that they are not yet in a position to make any further announcement in reference to this scheme, on which they are still awaiting the report of their consulting engineers. I have called the attention of the Company to the statement made by the hon. Member in the latter part of his question.

Sir G. HAMILTON

May I ask whether the £75,000,000 which was promised for the improvement of traffic conditions at Liverpool Street Station is still promised, or what is the position?

Mr. MORRISON

The hon. Member has asked a question as to the position of the scheme, and I have told him that the progress of the scheme depends in the main upon the policy and determination of the London and North Eastern Railway Company.

Mr. HARRIS

Could not the hon. Gentleman bring some "ginger" to bear upon the company?

Mr. MORRISON

The House must realise that these railways belong to private persons, and that the Minister of Transport cannot be expected to handle the London and North Eastern Railway Company as if it were a nationalised concern.

Sir G. HAMILTON

Is it not the case that, under the London Traffic Pool proposed and opposed by hon. Members opposite, this problem would have been dealt with long ago?

Mr. MORRISON

The rejected Bills would not have had the slightest influence on this matter.

Mr. BROAD

In view of the unsatisfactory conduct of this railway, is it not time that it was nationalised?