HC Deb 04 February 1959 vol 599 cc360-2
7. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will expedite the plans for the construction of the proposed new Victoria tube to serve North London.

77. Mr. Redhead

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of renewed public concern about traffic problems in London, whether he will now give an indication as to when he expects a start to be made upon the construction of the new tube railway, the Victoria line, for which powers were conferred by the British Transport Commission Act, 1955.

Mr. Watkinson

This project raises difficult financial problems, and it has not been possible so far to find room for it within the British Transport Commission's total capital expenditure. I recognise, however, that it would make a valuable contribution to London travel, and intend to keep it under review with the Commission.

Mr. Fletcher

Is the Minister aware that his reply is very disappointing and very unsatisfactory? Is he aware that London Passenger Transport arrangements in North London are very unsatisfactory; that the delays on all the bus routes are increasing and that the real solution is the construction of this new tube from Victoria to Walthamstow? Does not the Minister think that so urgent a matter should be reconsidered and priority given to it?

Mr. Watkinson

Perhaps the hon. Member is unaware that it would cost £55 million and lose £3 million a year.

Mr. Ernest Davies

In view of the rising figures of unemployment and the unused capacity in the steel industry, would not it be worth considering the matter from the point of view of creating employment? Regarding the financial aspect, would not it be worth while for the Government to pay for the cost of constructing the tube and then hand it over to London Transport? Would not the cost of building be recouped in a few years in the form of savings caused by avoiding the delays which now cause so much loss?

Mr. Watkinson

None the less, it would still cost £55 million. The question to be decided, and upon which I wish to take the advice of the London Travel Committee, is whether this £55 million would pay a better dividend were it spent on off-street parking or some other project.

Mr. Redhead

As the Minister is proposing to seek the advice of the London Travel Committee, will he ask the Committee to give this project urgent and priority consideration, bearing in mind that the British Transport Commission gained its powers for the construction of this tube as long ago as 1955; and that the Commission has constantly urged the necessity and desirability of this project to relieve the traffic problem?

Mr. Watkinson

I announced a week ago that the London Travel Committee has set up a sub-committee to deal with road problems in London and undoubtedly this will be one of the questions with which it will deal.