§ 62. Mr. MUGGERIDGEasked the Minister of Transport what is the present position of the proposed scheme to electrify the London and North Eastern Railway line from Liverpool Street to Romford and beyond; whether the Government has agreed to give financial assistance, under the Development (Loans, Guarantees, and Grants) Act, for any such scheme, and, if so, what; and whether, in view of the rapid increase of population in this part of Essex, he will take all possible steps to facilitate the electrification of this line?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONAs my hon. Friend is probably aware, the London and North Eastern Railway Company are at present widening their line in the neighbourhood of Romford, and are investigating the possibility of constructing a tube railway to Ilford. They have not, however, made any application under the Development Act for assistance in connection with the electrification of their existing lines in this district.
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGEIf representations were made to my right hon. Friend by the company would he entertain the idea of helping towards the electrification of this line? The position is absolutely scandalous at the moment. Can my right hon. Friend do something to help matters?
§ Mr. MORRISONMy hon. Friend may be sure that all the pressure I can bring to bear will be brought to bear. but I must remind him that I am not yet the owner of the railways.
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGEElectrification is to stop at Ilford, Cannot it be extended to Romford and beyond? The population is shifting out there.
§ Mr. MORRISONIf the proposal reaches a practical stage, the hon. Member may rest assured that I will remember everyone's constituency as far as I possibly can.
§ Mr. OLDFIELDWill the Minister consider the extension of the electrification to Southend?