§ 15. Mr. Fletcherasked the Minister of Transport whether he will now announce when a commencement will be made with the construction of a new tube from Victoria to north-east London.
§ Mr. MarplesI am not yet in a position to make any announcement on this subject, but I shall do so as soon as I can.
§ Mr. FletcherThis continuous procrastination will not do. A decision on the matter is long overdue. Will the Minister confirm what is reported in today's Guardian, that he recognises that if the project is to continue Government financial assistance will be required; and will he confirm also that it is the duty of London Transport not merely to pay its way but to provide adequate passenger facilities, which cannot be done until this new tube is commenced?
§ Mr. MarplesI have not seen the Guardian this morning. I will look at it and then write to the hon. Member. I do not know what it says, so I cannot comment on it.
§ Mr. StraussFor how many years has the Minister's Department been considering this very urgent problem? How many different excuses have been put 1140 forward by different Ministers of Transport for not coming to a decision? Is not the continued failure to come to a decision an almost incredible example of Government delay, and can the Minister give us any hope whatever that the Government are likely to be able to make a statement on the matter during the next few weeks or even few months?
§ Mr. MarplesIt is obvious, with the railways in their present state, that the new Chairman of the British Transport Commission will have to make his assessment of the situation on the railways as a whole. The Victoria line will be considered in that context.
§ Mr. LiptonThe right hon. Gentleman is the most coy of all Her Majesty's Ministers. When will he name the day?
§ Mr. MarplesThe hon. Member is the most coy of all Her Majesty's Opposition.
§ Mr. FletcherWill the Minister realise that the responsibility for this decision rests upon him? When will he exert his authority and reach a decision?
§ Mr. MarplesAs I said in my original Answer, as soon as I can do so.