§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made 2087W with the extension of the Central London line from Liverpool Street to Newbury Park; when it is hoped to open the sections to Mile End and Stratford, respectively; and what is the position with regard to the electrification of the London and North Eastern Railway suburban lines from Liverpool Street to Shenfield?
§ Captain WallaceMost of the tunnelling work between Liverpool Street and Newbury Park has been completed. According to present plans it is hoped that the electrified line will be opened to traffic as far as Loughton, including the section between Mile End and Stratford, before the end of this year, and that the section from Leytonstone to Newbury Park and thence round the Fairlop Loop will be opened in the spring of next year. The hon. Member will, however, realise that in the present circumstances these dates cannot be guaranteed. Certain works have been completed in connection with the electrification of the suburban lines from Liverpool Street to Shenfield, but it has been necessary to defer the remainder of the work until after the war.