§ 31. Mr. G. R. STRAUSSasked the Minister of Transport whether, under the proposed London Passenger Transport improvement schemes, regard will be had to the claims of the South-Eastern district of London for greater tube facilities?
§ Captain A. HUDSONThe electrification of the Southern Railway has improved the travelling facilities in South and South-East London, and the London Passenger Transport Board have informed me that in these circumstances they consider that other areas not so well served are more in need of improvement schemes.
§ Mr. LANSBURY(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer 177 whether he can give the House fuller particulars of the arrangements for the London Passenger Transport improvement schemes?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I am glad to state that the detailed arrangements between the Treasury, the London Passenger Transport Board, the London and North Eastern Railway and the Great Western Railway have now been concluded and an agreement has been initialled for signature by the parties. A White Paper containing a memorandum on the proposed financial resolution to authorise the introduction of the necessary Guarantee Bill will be available in the Vote Office this evening. Annexed to this memorandum is a copy of the agreement between the parties. The Financial Resolution authorising the introduction of the Bill will appear on the Order Paper to-morrow.
§ Mr. THORNEIs there any truth in the statement that appeared in some of the papers that the Government are to pay the interest on that £35,000,000?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELWill it not be necessary for private Bills to be introduced, and at once, to enable the work to be carried out; and has my right hon. Friend any information yet in reference to such private Bills?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, private Bills will be necessary. I cannot tell my hon. Friend when they will be ready, but no time will be lost in the matter.