§ 15. Mr. DowdTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to expedite the development of the options for the southern extension to the East London line.
§ Mr. NorrisResponsibility for assessing the options for the southern extension to the East London line, and the time scale for that assessment, rest with London Underground Ltd.
§ Mr. DowdI thank the Minister for that reply. Will he liaise with his officials to ensure that London Underground examines all the options for the extension of the East London line, beyond the modest proposal to go to East Dulwich? In particular, will they examine the London borough of Lewisham's proposal for a circular route involving track sharing with Railtrack, through Crystal Palace and back to New Cross Gate—not only to secure the future of New Cross Gate but to bring to a part of south London that is wholly deprived of an underground service a much-needed facility?
§ Mr. NorrisI am happy to arrange for any examination that is not already being done to take place, because I agree that there is scope, in the southern works on the East London line extension, for a real enhancement of the system at relatively modest cost.