HC Deb 17 June 2004 vol 422 c910
15. Roger Casale (Wimbledon) (Lab)

What representations he has received in the context of the comprehensive spending review on increasing investment in transport infrastructure in London. [179137]

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Paul Boateng)

Representations on investment in London's transport have been received from a wide cross-section of organisations and individuals.

Roger Casale

My constituents recognise that there has been substantial investment in south-west London by the Government in the Merton-Croydon tram link, in new rolling stock and stations on the Northern line by Transport for London, and in rolling stock and stations by South West Trains. But does my right hon. Friend accept that if we are to keep pace with the extraordinary growth of business activity and employment, and to attract important international events such as the Olympics to London, it is important for us to proceed with projects such as Crossrail 1 and 2 and the east London line? The Government must give a strong lead in that regard. Will my right hon. Friend take account of those representations, and seek to invest as much as he can in transport infrastructure in London through the comprehensive spending review?

Mr. Boateng

We take all representations into account. We have already invested some £15 billion in London's transport infrastructure since 1997, and that is delivering the real results that my hon. Friend has identified in his constituency. We welcome his interest in transport and the Olympics, and in that context we should remind ourselves of the International Olympic Committee's comment that London has one of the most extensive rail and underground systems in the world. The committee says that its main transport infrastructure ratio is one of the highest among all the applicant cities.

Between now and 2012—irrespective of whether we win the Olympics bid—we intend to invest more than £18 billion in London's transport. That is a good record, which should be compared and contrasted with the record of the Conservatives.