HC Deb 28 March 1973 vol 853 c1277
1. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he is considering to extend the Fleet railway line service to outer London boroughs.

The Minister for Transport Industries (Mr. John Peyton)

None, Sir.

Mr. Cox

But is not the Minister aware of the appalling travelling conditions that thousands of people who either work or live in South-East London have to face, day in and day out, and of the urgent need to extend facilities in that area? Is he not further aware that the Tory GLC election bribe of last week gives no hope at all to those people? Will he therefore consider meeting the representatives of the London Boroughs Association, and also agree to consider favourably financial help to extend the Fleet Line?

Mr. Peyton

I have recently appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Sir David Barran to look into the whole of London railway movement, and I look forward to having that knowledgeable report. From the general tone of the hon. Member's question I cannot help feeling that it is not entirely unconnected with the GLC elections.