HC Deb 26 February 1975 vol 887 cc469-70
2. Mr. Berry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take with regard to the London Rail Study—the Barran Report—and if he will make a statement.

19. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to reach conclusions concerning the London Rail Study.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Neil Carmichael)

Much of the report is given over to establishing a sound basis for future decisions rather than to recommending particular courses of action. All the specific recommendations are in the first instance for consideration by the Greater London Council and the two rail operators. We are willing to consider any firm proposals they may put to us in the light of the report.

Mr. Berry

Does not the Minister agree that one of the most urgent problems facing London is a decision about Dockland development, an ingredient of which must be the building of the River Line? Since the decision should be taken soon, ought it not to be done while the team which is constructing the Fleet Line is still intact so that it could then, having finished one job, move reasonably quickly to the other?

Mr. Carmichael

The second stage of the Fleet Line is not in itself of a high priority. It assumes a high priority only when it is considered in conjunction with the River Line and the line down to Thamesmead. As for Dockland, while I agree that the Fleet Line and the River Line are very important in that connection, a complication arises between transport planning and land use planning, so that both have to be done together.

Mr. Spearing

Does my hon. Friend agree that, whatever the importance of the River Line, the most important aspect is to provide transport for the people who already live in the area? For example, the interchange at West Ham between the District Line and the Eastern Region has been long overdue. It would cost very little to construct and it might be done very soon. Does my hon. Friend think that it would be a good idea to have a co-ordinating committee to knock together the heads of British Rail and London Transport?

Mr. Carmichael

My hon. Friend will be aware that there is a proposition for a rail advisory committee in London, and this is being considered by the GLC. The question of the interchange was dealt with in an Adjournment debate and I think that I have also written to my hon. Friend about the matter.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsherg

Does the Minister recognise that if we wait for the end of the discussions between the GLC and the boroughs, which will go on interminably, this valuable study will not come to anything? Will he concentrate their minds by saying that his Department would like an answer within, say, six months?

Mr. Carmichael

Obviously we should like an answer as quickly as possible, but vast sums of money are involved and important strategic decisions require to be made. The Department has made it clear to the GLC and the rail operators that any proposals they put forward will be considered with alacrity.