Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport when the underground railway works now in progress under Piccadilly Circus were authorised; when they were commenced; what is the reason for the long period taken in their completion; and what steps his Department have taken to expedite the matter so that the hoardings and other temporary erections at this point may be cleared away and the whole of the thoroughfare there made available again for public use?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe works were authorised by a Bill which obtained the Royal Assent on 2nd August, 1923. Actual operations commenced in February, 1925, and work is being carried on continuously by day and night shifts. In view of the intricate nature of the works to be carried out it is not considered that the period will have been unduly prolonged if, as is anticipated, the works are completed by the end of 1928. My Department has been in constant consultation with the railway company relative to temporary hoardings and openings necessitated, and now only one erection on the central island, guarding the main entrance to the works, remains.