§ 12. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future construction and funding of the proposed extension of the Jubilee line.
§ Mr. MacGregorAll the Government's and London Underground's planning for the Jubilee line extension has proceeded on the basis that Olympia and York will make the £400 million cash contribution, as pledged, towards the cost of the project. I am therefore looking to Olympia and York to honour that undertaking before I can give London Underground approval to start construction.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Secretary of State give the House today an unconditional guarantee that the line, as approved by the House and as planned with all the stations, will go ahead? If Olympia and York or the liquidators do not come up with the money to fund the line, will the Government come up with it? Who was it who did a deal with Olympia and York, but never got it to sign the agreement, let alone pay the first instalment?
§ Mr. MacGregorThe hon. Gentleman knows that the Government have committed £1,500 million to the Jubilee line extension. It is right to look to the private sector to contribute to the cost of the line, as it will be a substantial beneficiary of it. I envisage no prospect of my authorising the start of construction until and unless the agreed contributions are assured.