§ 2.5 p.m.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are at this time considering taking advantage of any of the 1,350 acres of nationalised land, much of which is capable of double use, i.e., meeting railway needs at the lower level and some other use on an upper level, to the benefit of the taxpayers; and, if so, how much.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, the British Transport Commission own this property and are responsible for developing it. The Commission are anxious to obtain the maximum revenue from their property to help reduce their deficits, which are at present a charge on the taxpayer. The Commission are therefore examining all their property in the light of operational needs, the likely financial return on reconstruction and development schemes, and the requirements of planning policy. The Government are keeping in touch with the Commission on this matter.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Is he aware that other countries, where the land is quite as valuable as ours, if not more so, are finding it practical and beneficial to take advantage of the land over railways and make it of benefit to their citizens?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, from my noble friend's earlier Question on the subject, I think I may say that I was aware of that. I have no reason 526 to think that the British Transport Commission are not also well aware of the value of what can be done, and that is why they are setting about doing it.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, again I thank my noble friend. Did he not indicate once before that it would cost too much to make this beneficial? Are the Government attempting to reconsider this subject and considering the long-span construction not available many years ago?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I am sure the Commission are considering this from every angle; but I said in my original Answer that they regarded it desirable to obtain the maximum revenue. It is most necessary to consider constructional costs to make sure the job is worthwhile.
§ LORD BOSSOMI thank the noble Lord.