§ 28. Captain RONALD HENDERSON (for Sir PHILIP DAWSON)asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make a further statement as regards the proposals of the London and North Eastern Railway Company to electrify 50 miles of suburban lines out of King's Cross Station; and when this work is likely to be taken in band and the electrification completed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Parkinson)As the hon. Member is aware an application by the railway company for Government financial assistance in connection with the proposals referred to is now under consideration by the Development (Public Utilities) Advisory Committee.
§ 29. Captain R. HENDERSON (for Sir P. DAWSON)asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the inadequate services given by the London and North Eastern Railway Company from Liverpool Street Station to workers living in West Ham, East Ham, Barking, Walthamstow, Becontree, etc., and having regard to the fact that proposals for electrifying the whole of this area have been worked out, any steps can be taken to induce the railway company to proceed with this work, especially in order to furnish work to those industries which are now suffering most from unemployment?
§ Mr. PARKINSONMy information is that active consideration is at the present time being given by the railway company to alternative schemes for the electrification of the Great Eastern suburban area, but that the company are not in a position to make definite proposals at present. I will, however, call their attention to the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir JOHN FERGUSONWill the hon. Gentleman keep in mind that these schemes are schemes which in the opinion of those who have examined them would relieve unemployment more than any other schemes?