§ 10. Mr. Mike Gapes (Ilford, South)What representations he has received about the crossrail project. [82789]
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. John Prescott)We have received a number of representations from hon. Members and hon. Friends, mostly on behalf of individual constituents and local authorities.
§ Mr. GapesI am grateful for that reply. Does my right hon. Friend agree that a fast rail link from east to west London, including Stratford to Paddington, would not only take a great deal of pressure off the underground system—the District, Circle, Metropolitan and Central lines—but greatly benefit those who live in one side of London, but work in the other, and the many millions of visitors to our capital city?
§ Mr. PrescottMy hon. Friend makes a fair case for crossrail. However, we have not cancelled the project—although the previous Administration said that it should not proceed any further. The crossrail route has been protected, and we have taken all measures necessary to ensure that it is available when a decision is taken on the project. I should say that that decision is more likely to be made by the London mayor and assembly.
§ Mr. John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood)Does not the prospect of road-user and workplace car-parking charges make it more important than ever that effective public transport links—from the west into London, and to the east—such as crossrail, be instituted? Is not the real problem that the Administration have been unable to build public-private partnerships in selling London Underground leases, so that its capital budget is so constrained that money is just not available?
§ Mr. PrescottMost people will recall that, under the previous Administration, an assessment of various transport links—to the north, south, east and west, and crossrail—was made, and that a good case was made for building all the links. However, a choice had to be made. The previous Administration chose to build the Jubilee line extension; we are choosing to create a public-private partnership for London Underground, and that programme is on time. We are currently in the pre-qualifying period and inviting bidders. We shall, by autumn 1999, issue invitations to tender, and those tenders should be returned by spring 2000. Progress on the programme is continuing, as stated to the House.