HC Deb 05 June 1957 vol 571 cc1247-8
13. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is yet in a position to give further information of the proposed railway link between the Air Terminal, Waterloo, and London Airport.

43. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made towards the provision of a rail link between central London rail termini and London Airport.

Mr. Watkinson

I am now studying, in consultation with the Chairmen of the British Transport Commission and the Airways Corporations, the Report of the Committee set up by the Commission to consider the possibility of a rail link between London and the airport.

Mr. Hunter

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him whether he will use his best endeavours to get the matter speeded up, for the congestion on the road between Waterloo and London Airport is very bad and the matter is very urgent?

Mr. Watkinson

The matter may be very urgent, but some of the present proposals would close the main runway at London Airport for a considerable period, and that would cause even more congestion.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Will not the opening of the now coach station at Cromwell Road shorten the journey by about 15 minutes, and could my right hon. Friend say when that is likely to be open?

Mr. Watkinson

I think I am right in saying that the new terminal building at Cromwell Curve will be open before the end of the year, and that, in conjunction with the Cromwell Road Extension, should give a journey time to the airport of not more than about half an hour.

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