HL Deb 21 May 1963 vol 250 c138

2.7 p.m.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are their proposals regarding the building of a station for Stevenage New Town.]

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, the decision whether or not to build a station for Stevenage New Town rests in the first place with the British Railways Board. It would have to be included in the Board's investment programme, which is subject to the approval of my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport, but unless the works are to cost £250,000 or more they would not, under present arrangements, require his specific sanction. I understand that the Eastern Railway Board are carrying out studies in order to decide whether a new station would be justified.

LORD AUCKLAND

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for his very helpful Answer, may I further ask him whether he would consult with the British Railways Board and get an assurance that the old station will still be kept?—because many people still travel to town from Stevenage Old Town, while much of the New Town which is expanding is several miles distant. Therefore, two stations are needed.

LORD CHESHAM

As I understand the matter, it is precisely that sort of consideration as to the future use of the old station and the likely use of the new one which the Board are actively considering at the present moment.