HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 cc1298-9
26. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Transport the latest estimates of the cost of the Victoria Line tube.

Mr. Marples

The latest estimate is £55 million.

Mr. Albu

Does not the Minister think that the very serious complaints that hen. Members in the London area are getting about London Transport would be much relieved if the Government made up their mind to carry out the urgent and necessary scheme which Committee after Committee have reported would be a major contribution to relieving congestion on London's streets?

Mr. Marples

That may be so, but this scheme does present financial and other problems which can be assessed only in the light of the Government's general consideration of the British Transport Commission and its undertakings.

Mr. Mellish

There should be something more positive on this from the Minister. For years it has been delayed when it has been shown to be essential to public needs to get a decision.

Mr. Marples

I cannot say, because we are considering this in the light of the British Transport Commission's modernisation scheme. I thought that the publication of the White Paper yesterday would have gone some way to convincing hon. Members that the Government are treating the problem seriously.