Victoria Line

HC Deb 11 November 1964 vol 701 cc1015-6

33. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Transport when the new tube line from Victoria will be completed.

8. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the construction of the Victoria Line; and when a decision will be made on its extension to Woodford.

Mr. Swingler

The London Transport Board has informed us that work is in progress all along the route but shortage of labour—particularly of tunnel miners—and a high labour turnover are causing some delay to the programme as planned. Any effect of these difficulties on the total cost will be marginal. It is hoped to open at least the first section of the line in 1968.

The possible extension of the line is being considered, together with other proposals, by the Passenger Transport Planning Committee for London as part of wider plans for transport development in the London area.

Mr. Lipton

How does the date now announced for the completion of the first part of the line compare with that originally announced, and what is the reason for the discrepancy? In present circumstances, does it not look as if the whole of London's traffic will be completely paralysed before any passenger is able to use the line?

Mr. Swingler

We hope that the timetable for the Victoria Line can be adhered to. It is true that London Transport has run into some technical difficulties in the course of construction, but the chief problem at the moment is the shortage of skilled labour—tunnel miners. I am at present advised that it will be possible to complete the line by 1968 if we can recruit the necessary force of tunnel miners to do this difficult job.

Mr. John Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that transport in this part of London would benefit greatly if a link could eventually be formed between the Victoria Line at Walthamstow and the Central Line at Leytonstone? Will he at least not close his mind to this long-term possibility?

Mr. Swingler

Our minds are not closed to this possibility. But I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will bear in mind that these are not lines which will be financially viable. They are not going to pay their way. But we think that they will be of immense social benefit to the people of London, and that is why we wish these plans to go forward.