§ 7. Mr. Berryasked the Minister of Transport when she expects to announce the construction of the rail link with Heathrow Airport.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe British Railways and London Transport Boards are seeking Parliamentary powers to build rail links, and a decision on this question will be made as soon as present studies have been completed.
§ Mr. BerryDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that, in three years from now, the big jumbo jets will be coming in from America and other parts of the world, creating a volume of traffic which will be far too heavy to be carried by road? We must have trains by then. Will he look at the matter as one of extreme urgency?
§ Mr. SwinglerWe recognise that it is an urgent matter, especially because of the build-up of traffic. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it is also a very complicated and expensive matter, and many proposals, both conventional and unconventional, have been put forward. These have been investigated and will be reported on in a few months' time.