HC Deb 05 November 1930 vol 244 cc858-9
59. Major NATHAN

asked the Minister of Transport whether steps are being taken for the construction of a tube railway from Liverpool Street via Bethnal Green to Ilford and beyond?

63. Sir GEORGE HAMILTON

asked the Minister of Transport whether his negotiations with the London and North Eastern Railway Company have yet resulted in any concrete proposal for a tube to Ilford and the East of London?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I have been informed by the London and North Eastern Railway Company that they have received and are now considering the report of the engineers appointed to investigate the possibility of constructing a tube railway to Ilford, and that at this stage they are not in a position to make any further announcement.

Major NATHAN

Will the Minister of Transport see that his Department does all it can to expedite the construction by the North-Eastern Railway Company of this tube?

Mr. MORRISON

Certainly, within the limits of the fact that the railway does not belong to me, but belongs to private enterprise.

Sir G. HAMILTON

Is it not a fact that the Minister of Transport is subscribing a considerable amount of funds towards the construction of this tube, and in these circumstances would it not be possible for the Minister to use that lever to urge the company on?

Mr. MORRISON

Obviously, I am not subscribing any money until it has been decided that the railway is to be built.

Major NATHAN

May I ask, in view of the fact that yesterday the Minister of Transport claimed credit for what was done by the railway companies, he will not avoid responsibility?

Mr. MORRISON

Not at all. Because I claimed credit yesterday I am not bound to accept the responsibility. The works in respect of which I gave particulars yesterday would not have been done at all if it had not been for the Labour Government.