HC Deb 31 March 1971 vol 814 cc1479-80
13. Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will be in a position to announce his decision on the application by the Greater London Council for a grant for the construction of the Fleet Line in South-East London.

The Minister for Local Government and Development (Mr. Graham Page)

My right hon. Friend is considering the application.

Mr. Moyle

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, by this year, London Trans- port Executive will probably have powers to construct a tube to New Cross and that by next year we hope to have powers to construct a line to Lewisham? What is required is a decision by the Government to provide money to allow London Transport to go ahead with construction.

Mr. Page

I ask the hon. Gentleman to give us a chance on this. It is a complex matter of transport. We are considering it with the utmost urgency. My right hon. Friend will give his decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Spearing

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that if a grant is given it will be no less than the 75 per cent. grant given on equivalent sums for roads?

Mr. Page

I could not give such an undertaking. At the moment we are discussing the whole problem of transport and the contribution of the central Government to London Transport with the G.L.C.