HC Deb 22 June 1953 vol 516 cc1462-3
34. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport the annual cost of administration, maintenance of machinery and prevention of wilful damage to works in connection with the proposed Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel; and what is the total cost of maintenance since the works closed down in 1939.

Mr. Braithwaite

The cost in 1952–53 was £10,743. Since the work was suspended in 1939 the total costs incurred have been £102,000 for maintenance of the pilot tunnel and plant, £22,000 for engineers' fees and £5,000 for the Dartford Tunnel Committee's expenses.

Mr. Dodds

How much longer are we to go on spending this money without any return?

Mr. Braithwaite

I agree it is most unfortunate that these large sums have to be paid out annually. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the work was suspended in 1939. The Socialist Government decided that it could be recommenced in 1946 but, a year later, came to the conclusion that it would again have to be postponed. We endorse that decision until such time as economic conditions improve.

Mr. Renton

Could my hon. Friend say whether, apart from the cost of maintenance, there is any loss due to deterioration in the condition of the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel?

Mr. Braithwaite

Not without notice.

Mr. Dodds

The hon. Gentleman said before that economic conditions were improving under this Government. Can he not improve on the statement which he has just made?

Mr. Braithwaite

Not to the tune of spending £7 million on this one project.

37. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport how much has been spent up-to-date in connection with the proposed Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel; and how much it is estimated on present-day values, that the land, pilot tunnel and preparatory work on the main tunnel is worth.

Mr. Braithwaite

The amount spent up-to-date on land and works is about £750,000; £100,000 has been spent on maintenance. I am advised that on present-day values the land, pilot tunnel and preparatory works on the main tunnel are probably worth about £1½ million.

Mr. Dodds

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the vital necessity of this provision if we are to get economic recovery? In view of the research which has gone on recently, is his Department willing to meet a deputation of business people and local authorities in order to discuss this problem?

Mr. Braithwaite

We are always prepared to meet deputations to discuss the subject, but I should not like the hon. Member to be given the impression that we are likely to proceed to spend £7 million on this one project.