§ Mr. PERRINGasked the Postmaster-General what was the estimated cost of constructing the post office tube from Spring Street, Paddington, to Aldgate; 1366W how much has been expended to date and what sum is now required to complete; what was the estimated saving to justify the tube being constructed; and has he considered the loss or charge for interest on the capital outlay expended to date, the loss by reason of the delay on completion, and the desirability of finding work for unemployment by expediting the completion and bringing into use the tube for Post Office purposes?
§ Mr. PEASEThe sum provided under the Post Office (London) Railway Act, 1913, was £1,100,000. The account up to the end of March, 1921, has just been issued (Command Paper 13). The sum expended to date is approximately £1,127,000. I cannot estimate the cost of the work remaining to be done; it would, of course, be very largely in excess of the original estimate. It was not anticipated that the construction of the railway would effect any appreciable saving. The intention was to expedite the transmission of the mails, and relieve the congestion of street traffic. The considerations mentioned by the hon. Member have not been overlooked; but my right hon. Friend is unable to recommend that the additional expenditure involved in the completion of the railway should be incurred at present.