HC Deb 10 April 1957 vol 568 cc1105-6
15. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what consultations he has had with the British Transport Commission in regard to the construction and financing of the new Victoria line tube; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Watkinson

My discussions with the Commission in regard to this scheme have not yet reached a stage at which I can usefully make any statement.

Mr. Davies

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the urgency of this matter? Are we not rapidly returning in London to the pre-rationing crawl? In view of the fact that it has now been shown that the rate of increase of traffic is in any case 3½ per cent. shall we not shortly crawl to a standstill? Is not one of the solutions, if not the only solution, to send traffic underground by tube or by tunnelling roads underground?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not disagree with that. The fact is that the Commission is actually examining this scheme and until it comes back to me there is no further action I can take.