HC Deb 30 October 1956 vol 558 cc1226-7
17. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the length and diameter of the tunnel under Christchurch Meadow, Oxford, which is estimated to cost £7 million to build and £100,000 a year to maintain ; and how this compares with the cost of other similar tunnels.

Mr. Sandys

The estimate was for an underground by-pass which, including approaches, would be about one mile in length. It was assumed that the carriageways would, in part, have to be accommodated in separate tubes. The estimate is comparable with the cost of tunnel works elsewhere.

Mr. Dugdale

Has the Minister considered the example of the United States whereby part at least of the cost of such tunnels is defrayed by a charge on those using them?

Mr. Sandys

I have been asked about the cost of the tunnel, not how to pay for it.