§ 24. Mr. RAIKESasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the possibility of proceeding with the Dartford-Purfleet tunnel scheme in the near future?
Mr. STANLEYIn present circumstances I understand the local authorities concerned are not prepared to proceed with this costly scheme, and I should not in any event be in a position to provide the financial assistance originally contemplated. Measures are, however, being taken to safeguard the line of the tunnel and its approaches.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that this is the kind of scheme referred to by the Prime Minister as being both useful and giving a large amount of employment?
Mr. STANLEYIn allocating the funds which are at my disposal, I must, of course, consider primarily traffic requirements, and I am allocating what funds I have at my disposal to schemes which, I think, are more important than this tunnel.