§ 44. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will reconsider his policy on the proposed Route C tube in view of the strongly-expressed opinions of the Committee of Inquiry into London Transport.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs a necessary step in the detailed planning of this route, powers to construct are contained in the British Transport Commission's Bill now before Parliament. No decision can be taken with respect to construction until this preliminary work has been done. This 2065 seems to me wholly consistent with the Report of the recent Committee of Inquiry into London Transport.
§ Mr. AlbuHas the Minister noticed that the Committee of Inquiry stated that, although this route might not pay London Transport on the basis of its capital charges, it would probably lead to considerable economic savings due to a reduction of congestion in the London area? Had this view been taken into account when the Parliamentary Secretary made his very discouraging statement during the debate on the British Transport Commission's Bill?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI noted the views of the Committee of Inquiry but, as I said in my original answer, until the necessary planning can be done for which these powers are required, it is not possible to take a firm decision on this matter.