HC Deb 12 March 1934 vol 287 cc26-7
59. Mr. THORNE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the resolutions sent from local authorities in the East-end of London urging the provision of an underground railway passing through Bethnal Green, that the electrification of the London and North Eastern Railway passing through Bethnal Green should be expedited, and that in connection therewith station facilities should be provided in the vicinity of the former Globe Road station; and what reply he has returned?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

My hon. Friend has received the Resolution referred to and has brought it to the notice of the London Passenger Transport Board and the London and North Eastern Railway Company, upon whom the responsibility for providing any necessary facilities of this kind would rest.

Mr. THORNE

Has the hon. and gallant Member received any reply to the communication sent a long time ago?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I do not know to what communication the hon. Member refers.

Mr. THORNE

I understood the hon. and gallant Member to say that the terms of this Resolution had been sent to the chairman of the London Passenger Transport Board. I want to know whether he has received any reply.

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

In view of the fact that the Government sponsored this Transport Board, is it not time that they did something to put these changes into operation?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

We have no power to order either the construction or the electrification of railways.