§ 45. Mr. Fletcherasked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to announce a decision to proceed with the proposed new Victoria underground railway to north-east London.
§ Mr. MarplesI am not yet in a position to add to the Answer my hon. Friend gave to the right hon. Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss) and other hon. Members on 25th January.
§ Mr. FletcherThe Minister has been saying this for several months, and we have been promised a decision for a long time. Congestion in north-east London is getting worse. Can the Minister tell us when we shall get a definite decision about this from the Government?
§ Mr. MarplesThere is a complete reorganisation of the British Transport Commission and its undertakings going on. This project must be considered in the light of that reorganisation and the plan put forward by the Commission for its four-year programme of modernisation.
§ Mr. PopplewellIn view of the fact that the proposed plan for reorganisation is not likely to be placed before this House for something like two years at least, does that mean that the London/ Victoria tube project will be postponed and it will be two or three years before any decision is reached at all? Surely the Minister is aware of the outstanding 1588 importance of going ahead with this project?
§ Mr. MarplesNo, it does not mean that. The Commission has placed its four-year programme before me. I have asked for more details. This item will be considered in the context of the modernisation proposals.
Mr. G. WilsonWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the social value of this project when making a decision, in the same way as has apparently been done in connection with the cost of the motorways?
§ Mr. MarplesYes, Sir.