§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the continual delays to London and North Eastern Railway East Coast trains, due to the prolonged reconstruction of certain portions of the route; and whether he is satisfied that evacuation of children on this route, involving increased train service could be carried out without serious congestion?
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§ Captain Wallace:I presume that the hon. Member refers to the services between Liverpool Street and East Anglian towns. Certain important electrification works are now in progress on these lines and I understand that some delay is being incurred by certain trains owing to the necessity of imposing speed restrictions. It is not anticipated that these works would seriously affect the evacuation service, to provide for which a curtailment of the ordinary service will become necessary, and has been arranged.
§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider making representations to the London and North Eastern Railway Company to complete the unfinished portion of the Mid-Suffolk railway in order to provide increased direct transport facilities in an area where road communication does not achieve that purpose?
§ Captain WallaceThe original Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was authorised in 1900, and deviations were authorised in 1903, 1905, and 1909. The powers of construction which were granted to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company lapsed 27 years ago. That portion of the line which was completed became absorbed in the London and North Eastern Railway under the Railways Act, 1921. Fresh powers would have to be obtained for the construction of the remainder of the lines as originally authorised.