London Docklands Transportation Consortium (Hansard, 29 February 1984)

§ 2. Mr. Tom Cox
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met the management of the London Docklands Transportation Consortium; and what was discussed.

§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Norman Tebbit)
I have not met the LDTC and have no plans to do so.

§ Mr. Cox
I note that reply. Is the Secretary of State aware of the importance to London of the London Docklands railway development? Will he assure the House that any company wishing to tender for that project will be allowed to do so and that he will try to ensure that British steels and other British materials are used in the project?

§ Mr. Tebbit
The hon. Gentleman addresses to me questions which should be addressed to those responsible for the tendering procedures for the contract.

§ Mr. Shore
The Secretary of State has displayed an almost overwhelming interest in this very important project. Some of us have perhaps had a closer connection with it. We remember the six years delay since Sir Horace Cutler was blathering on about Olympic ways and fully-fledged tube lines running through east London. We are keen to see progress with the project and we should very much like the Secretary of State to take some interest in it. Specifically, when is the contract likely to be awarded, and when is the project likely to be completed?

§ Mr. Tebbit
Of course I am interested in this matter because, like the right hon. Gentleman, I am a London Member. However, if he cannot arrange for the question to be addressed to those who are responsible for the decisions, he cannot complain when I tell him that my Department is not responsible for these matters.

§ Mr. Shore
rose—

§ Mr. Speaker
No.

§ Mr. Shore
With respect—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. I think not again.

§ Mr. Shore
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
No. I will take the point of order afterwards.