HL Deb 25 January 1967 vol 279 cc538-9

2.28 p.m.

Lord FERRIER

My 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, regarding the inquiry into the suggested Victoria-Heathrow rail link, whether they will ensure that the forthcoming Report, should it recommend its construction, contains firm estimates of the proposed starting date and the date of completion of the work.]

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, the Report will give guidance on these matters. But the noble Lord will, I am sure, understand that it will be for the Government and other authorities concerned to make decisions on them, subject to the grant of the Parliamentary powers which British Rail are now seeking.

Lord FERRIER

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. He will appreciate that I do not question the power of the Government. In regard to the Report, would the Government see to it that dates are indicated, so that it can be calculated how long we must wait until the proposed link is completed?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, the Report will be a basis upon which the Government and other authorities will have to make up their minds. Naturally, they will have to take into account other matters of priority. For that reason, I cannot give the noble Lord the information for which he asked in his original Question.