HC Deb 12 November 1934 vol 293 cc1516-8
42. Mr. CADOGAN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the petition from the councils of the boroughs of Finchley, Hornsey and Hendon, and the urban district councils of Barnet, East Barnet Valley, Friern Barnet and Wood Green, advocating the immediate electrification of that part of the system of the London and North Eastern Railway which serves the areas of these local authorities; whether he has referred the petition for consideration to the London and North Eastern Railway Company and the London Passenger Transport Board; and, if so, whether he can give any information as to their replies?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

The answer to the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I am informed that the Standing Joint Committee of the Main Line Railway Companies and the London Passenger Transport Board have decided that a scheme for the electrification of the Great Eastern Suburban lines based on Liverpool Street would take priority over a scheme for electrifying the lines radiating from King's Cross, but my hon. Friend will be aware that these Matters are not in any way under my control.

Mr. CADOGAN

In view of the hopelessly inadequate travelling facilities in these districts, will the Minister be prepared to reopen the matter with the undertakers concerned, in order to expedite the schemes suggested in the petition?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My hon. Friend may be assured that I will do anything in my power. I have done what I could by representing this matter to the London Passenger Transport Board. I cannot exceed my powers.

Mr. CADOGAN

Can the Minister reopen the matter?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I do not know what my hon. Friend means by "reopen" it. If I can give any assistance in any practical way that he can suggest, I shall be only too happy to do so.

Mr. HANNON

Is the hon. Member aware that the electrification of the lines radiating from the old Great Eastern Railway line has been under consideration for years, that repeated promises have been made in this House that schemes would be undertaken, and that his predecessors in office have frequently brought influence to bear upon the company. Can he say when we shall have some steps taken in the interests of the people who travel in the district?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The hon. Member must be aware of the statutory position. The London Passenger Transport Board is the proper authority in this matter, and I am not empowered to exercise any pressure upon them. I have done what I could by representing the views of my hon. Friend to the Board.