§ Mr. SymsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to proceed with(a) an east-west rail link in London, (b) the Thameslink 2000 project and (c) an extension to the East London Line; and what the timetable is for construction. [3430]
502W
§ Mr. SpellarAs my predecessor announced on 3 May, the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London are jointly taking forward work on project definition, including alternative service patterns, and design development of an east-west cross-London rail link. Once a project has been worked up, statutory powers would be required before it could be implemented. Construction of such a link could not in any event begin before 2005–06.
We are awaiting the Inspector's report on Railtrack's applications under the Transport and Works Act 1992 in respect of the Thameslink 2000 project. I cannot prejudge the eventual decision, but if the project receives approval, construction could begin in 2003.
The Inspector's report on London Underground Ltd.'s application under the Transport and Works Act 1992 in respect of the southern extensions to the East London Line is currently under consideration. Again, I cannot prejudge the outcome, but if this project were to receive approval, construction could begin in 2003. London Underground Ltd., under SRA sponsorship, intends to start work on the northern extension later this year, powers for which have already been approved.