HC Deb 07 June 1967 vol 747 cc1029-30
1. Mr. Berry

asked the Minister of Transport how many men are employed at working faces on the construction of the Victoria Line; what proportion this represents of the original specialised labour force; and at what rate she estimates that this force will disperse during the coming months.

31. Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give the necessary approvals so that, when construction of the Victoria underground line is complete, work will be available immediately on other underground railway extensions, already planned, for the specialised labour force and equipment used in the tunnelling of that line.

The Minister of Transport (Mrs. Barbara Castle)

I understand that 50 face-workers are now employed, compared with a peak level of between 700 and 800. These 50 men will be required until spring next year. I have the advantages of continuity in underground work well in mind, but other factors also must be weighed.

Mr. Berry

The Report of the London Transport Board for 1966 laid particular emphasis on the danger of disbanding these teams, in view of possible extensions to the line. Does not the right hon. Lady agree that an early decision is vital, both because of the consequences of dispersing these men and because of possible delay in completion of the line, which must inevitably add to the final cost of the scheme?

Mrs. Castle

I am anxious to reach a decision as soon as possible. Continuity has been maintained. There is still a nucleus of these workers, and about 60 per cent. of the engineers and technical staff are still in post.

Sir R. Russell

Are there not other tube extensions on which these teams of men could be used? Is it not essential to keep them employed and make an early decision to go ahead with other works of this kind?

Mrs. Castle

There are proposals for other underground extensions under consideration, but they have not reached a point of preparation which would enable any work on them even to be considered at this stage.

Mr. Lipton

Is my right hon. Friend saying that she does not contemplate using these men for the extension of the Victoria line to Brixton, which is at the top of her list of jobs to be done in London?

Mrs. Castle

What I mean is that we have a nucleus of workers there still, who could be used, and used quickly, when a decision is reached. I hope to announce that soon.

Mr. Webster

Does not the right hon. Lady realise that the obligation to make a decision about further work is her responsibility? Can we not have some urgency here?

Mrs. Castle

I am well aware that the decision now rests with me. It is a very expensive scheme, which would run at a heavy loss of about £1 million a year. Clearly, it must be considered in association with other schemes for helping London Transport as well as other public transport.

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