§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the economic and employment benefits from public funding of crossrail, Orbital Rail, and improving the Thames link by comparison with proposed road schemes.
§ Mr. NorrisAssessment of road and rail projects in London is based on consistent planning assumptions and methodology. We make direct comparisons between road and rail schemes only where they offer alternative means of meeting specific transport objectives. In strategic studies comparisons are made between investment in alternative modes of transport. The London assessment studies included an assessment of the effects of a package of road schemes and a package of rail schemes, including those mentioned. It was decided not to proceed with the road schemes.