HC Deb 12 December 1934 vol 296 cc378-9
24. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes any action to implement the undertaking given to Parliament that improvements will be effected in the travelling facilities for the East End; and when it is proposed to make arrangements for the construction of a tube railway and the electrification of the London and North Eastern suburban lines?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the matters referred to in the question are not under my control. I am, however, circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a summary of information with which I have been furnished by the London Passenger Transport Board.

Mr. GROVES

Will the Minister of Transport take up this matter and bring pressure to bear upon the London Passenger Transport Board in order to deal with this serious problem?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have already conveyed the hon. Member's strong feelings to the right quarter. I am always ready to act as a vehicle for that purpose.

Following is the information:

I understand that powers to convert the local tramcar services in Walthamstow, Leyton, West Ham, East Ham and Ilford to trolley omnibus operation and to run trolley vehicles along Silvertown Way to Woolwich Ferry, are being sought in the London Passenger Transport Board's Bill in the present Session. I also understand that a new service of coaches from Aldgate starting at the Minories lay-by and terminating at Gidea Park, operating via Leyton, Wanstead, Cranbrook Park and Romford every 15 minutes, has been provided, and that on the trunk route, London and Brentwood, 26 more journeys per day have been provided than were operated by the board's predecessors and that a further 17 journeys per day are now to be operated.

As regards the construction of a tube railway and the electrification of the London and North Eastern Railway suburban lines, I am informed that these questions are receiving the consideration of the Standing Joint Committee of the London Passenger Transport Board and the Main Line Companies, set up under the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, but that no decision has yet been reached.