§ 3.3 p.m.
§ LORD FERRIERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the design of the new B.E.A. Terminal in Cromwell Road includes direct covered access to the Underground station at Gloucester Road; and, if not, whether they have any power to ensure that such is provided.]
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, the development of this Terminal is the commercial responsibility of B.E.A. and information about it should be sought from the Corporation. My right honourable friend the Minister of Aviation has no powers that would bear on this matter.
§ LORD FERRIERMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his matter-of-fact reply. If, as I believe, there is no plan for such a connection, and it will be many years before the Cromwell Road is "Buchananised", may I ask the noble Lord whether the Government will draw the attention of the authorities concerned to the large number of people, other than passengers by B.E.A. and their friends, who live to the North of the Cromwell Road and would welcome an underpass to Gloucester Road station?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I am quite sure that the authorities concerned will take note of what my noble friend has said.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, is this not a matter for the London Passenger Transport Board, and not B.E.A.? Is it not the fact that B.E.A. want the Underground station to serve the new Terminal but the London Passenger Transport Board would not allow it? 965 Would it not be better if B.O.A.C. moved its passenger service Terminal from Victoria to Cromwell Road, and then there would be a really good traffic intake for the London Passenger Transport Board?
§ Loup CHESHAMMy Lords, the London Passenger Transport Board would, I think, obviously be involved in this matter, and no doubt if B.E.A. take note of what my noble friend has said, they will discuss it with them.