HC Deb 08 May 1968 vol 764 cc409-11
35. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Transport what discussions he has had with London Transport regarding the provision of Underground services in South-East London.

Mr. Swingler

London Transport plans to extend its rail services in South-East London and elsewhere are regularly discussed between the Ministry and the Board.

Mr. Hamling

Is my hon. Friend aware that we have had promises about this for a very long time? Will he consult his right hon. Friend and obtain his confirmation that travelling daily from South-East London to Central London is well-nigh impossible and that, with future population increases, it will become absolutely impossible within the next five years?

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend is only too well aware of the seriousness of the situation. My hon. Friend will no doubt wish to bear in mind the decisions taken by my right hon. Friend's predecessor about the extension of the tube line. Discussions are now taking place between London Transport and British Railways about possible improvements and extensions of these services, and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Galbraith

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is likely that these extensions, if they take place, will be financially self-supporting or carried by subsidy?

Mr. Swingler

This matter must be investigated. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware of, for example, the proposal for the Fleet line. All these proposals must be examined, like those for the Victoria Line and the Brixton extension. They must all be subject to careful scrutiny and we obviously cannot yet say whether they would be profitable.

Mr. Moyle

Is my hon. Friend aware that the present growth of long-range commuting is squeezing out short-range commuting and overloading the system? Would he agree that supplementing short-range commuting by the underground in South-East London is the only solution?

Mr. Swingler

All these matters must be the subject of investigation and, as I said, London Transport and British Railways are now looking into them. I have no doubt that they will be considering the question of the system becoming overloaded and what further facilities should be provided. The question is what form these facilities should take, and this is a matter for technical investigation.

36. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received on the building of motorways in South-East London; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Swingler

We have received various representations, including proposals from the G.L.C. for the primary network. We hope to reply shortly.

Mr. Hamling

Would my hon. Friend confirm that there is a good deal of opposition to these projects in South-East London, perhaps because of inadequate compensation being paid to householders when they are displaced? Will he consult with his colleagues to ensure that house owners receive adequate compensation so that they are able to replace their existing properties with comparable properties?

Mr. Swingler

The question of compensation is another matter which is under investigation. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that we are programming various sections of these proposals from the point of view of examining those which are particularly urgent. Naturally, the whole question of proposals about, for example, motorway boxes may be challenged when the Greater London Development Plan comes under inquiry.

Sir E. Bullus

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that the Greater London Council is really getting on with this work and that, while it was left for many years, it is now making a good job of it and that the G.L.C. deserves all the support he can give it?

Mr. Swingler

Very substantial progress has been made in the last few years. The reason is, of course, the level of the roads programme. We hope to continue on that course, and that is the approach we will take in considering the proposals of the G.L.C.