HC Deb 03 June 1959 vol 606 cc173-4
29. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what advice he has now received from the London Travel Committee with regard to the construction of the proposed new Victoria-Walthamstow underground railway; and whether he will announce a date for the commencement of this project.

Mr. Nugent

The London Travel Committee has not yet completed its examination of the proposed Victoria Line and of the benefits of comparable expenditure on alternative works which would help travel in London. We do not expect to receive the Committee's report for some weeks yet. My right hon. Friend will take a decision as soon as possible after that.

Mr. Fletcher

Will the Minister try to expedite the report of this Committee? Does he realise that the public transport situation in North-East London is very acute? It will not improve by delay, nor will the cost get less. Is it not very desirable that this new tube, which has been approved in principle, should be started as soon as possible?

Mr. Nugent

The tube has not been approved in principle yet. As soon as the Committee has made its report, my right hon. Friend will deal with it. At present, the Committee is receiving evidence and opinions from the various local authorities concerned. Inevitably, that takes rather a long time. Equally, I am sure that they should all be given a chance to express their opinions to the Committee before a decision is reached.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Does not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary recall that the building of this tube was approved in principle by the House in that a private Bill of the British Transport Commission passed through the House which gave it powers to construct the tube? Further, is it not a fact that the manpower, the materials, the contractors and the technique are available. Does the hon. Gentleman want this to be a further period of wasted years?

Mr. Nugent

What we have not approved in principle is the spending of the £50 or £60 million necessary for building the tube. We are not yet sure whether that money could be spent better in other ways to improve travel in London. As soon as we have the report, my right hon. Friend will make his decision.