HC Deb 09 February 1966 vol 724 cc394-5
38. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals have been put to her for the linking of the Victoria Line to the Central Line by London Transport; and what reply she has given.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend has received no such proposals from the London Transport Board. The Board has examined the possibility of extending the Victoria Line to the catchment area of the Central Line but has concluded that other more important extensions of the underground system should take priority.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will be somewhat disappointing to a number of my constituents? Can he assure me that the project as a whole will not be delayed owing to the financial restrictions of Socialism?

Mr. Swingler

I do not know what project the hon. Gentleman is referring to, but extensions of the underground system are under very active consideration. This matter has been very carefully examined. The Board has advised that the central extensions—for example, of the Victoria Line to Brixton—are more urgent and must take priority. That does not mean that the proposal put forward by the hon. Gentleman will not be considered. It will be.

Mr. John Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend look at this matter personally? They will find that two miles would link Walthamstow with Leyton, and two vital lines with one another. Will he reconsider the whole matter?

Mr. Swingler

This is strictly a question of priorities, of relieving the congestion where it is worst. The Board considers, and put forward to my right hon. Friend the view, that it is necessary to extend the underground system centrally first. These are the first things to be considered, and the hon. Gentleman's suggestion will be considered later.