§ 13. Mr. J. Harveyasked the Minister of Transport how long it is estimated that the completion of the Victoria Line would take from the date on which its construction is authorised.
§ Mr. MarplesAbout six years.
§ Mr. HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that one of his predecessors told the House on 5th June, 1957, that he had been approached by the British Transport Commission regarding the construction of this line and was considering the financial problems which it posed? Will my right hon. Friend, therefore, bear in mind that about four years have already been lost while decisions have not yet been reached?
§ Mr. MarplesYes, Sir; I will bear that in mind.
§ 14. Mr. J. Harveyasked the Minister of Transport whether the re-assessment of the requirements of the railways as a whole by the new Chairman of the 1476 British Transport Commission now enables him to make a statement about the future of the Victoria Line.
§ 16. Mr. Redheadasked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position, consequent upon the reassessment of railway requirements undertaken by the new Chairman of the British Transport Commission, to make a statement as to his intentions in respect of the Victoria Line.
§ Mr. MarplesThe requirements of the railways as a whole are still being examined, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement about the proposed Victoria Line.
§ Mr. HarveyFollowing the reference which I have already made to the assurance given by one of his predecessors that he was looking at the financial problem in June, 1957, does my right hon. Friend realise that another of his predecessors said in February, 1959, that he had referred the matter to the London Travel Committee? Does my right hon. Friend realise that in July, 1959, the Joint Parliamentary Secretary told the House that his right hon. Friend would make a decision as soon as possible after receiving the report of the London Travel Committee? Does he realise that in March, 1960, having received the report, he himself told us that the whole of the railway system underground and above ground was being re-examined, and that recently he told us that the matter must await Dr. Beeching's review? Does he further realise that an awful lot of people throughout the north-east London area are being exasperated by this constant procrastination?
§ Mr. MarplesI shall study most carefully what my hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. SpeakerWe really shall never make progress with Questions if hon. Members make what are virtually speeches instead of asking questions.
§ Mr. StraussCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what, when he has received Dr. Beeching's report and considered it—which I suppose may take a year—the next excuse will be for delay over a decision on this project?
§ Mr. MarplesNot until I receive the report.