§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the extension of the docklands light railway to Beckton to commence services.
§ Mr. BaldryThe opening of the extension of the docklands light railway to Beckton is being delayed by the late delivery of operating software for the new Seltrac signalling system being supplied by Alcatel. All other elements are in place and fully functional. It is anticipated that the opening should take place early next year, once Docklands Light Railway Ltd. is confident that the contractor has delivered a system that will provide a fully reliable service to the public.
§ Mr. CarringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the docklands light railway.
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§ Mr. GummerI welcome the Chancellor's announcement in his Budget statement today that a new extension of the docklands light railway to Lewisham will be built and financed by the private sector.
Private sector companies will be invited to bid during 1994 for a concession to construct the extension. Construction on the £100 million project is expected to start soon after and the extension should open in 1997–98.
This is another major step toward improving London's infrastructure and I am pleased to give it my approval. This scheme, together with the £1.9 billion Jubilee line extension, highlights the Government's commitment to public transport in London. The Government have already confirmed that a new east-west link, the crossrail scheme, will go forward as a joint venture with the private sector.
The extension of the docklands light railway under the Thames to Greenwich, Deptford and Lewisham will help reduce the barrier effect of the Thames, providing an important new public transport link. It will also provide tourists with a new connection between the City and Greenwich and will benefit Kent commuters by providing a new interchange for travel into the City and east London. It will boost the regeneration of both the docklands and of the areas the new extension will serve. I am asking DLR Ltd. and its owners—the London Docklands development corporation—to give this project top priority.
The extension, which received parliamentary approval in May this year, will go through a new tunnel under the Thames south of the Isle of Dogs and terminate at Lewisham where it will connect with British Rail. The journey time from Lewisham to the City will be less than 25 minutes; from Lewisham to Canary Wharf about 15 minutes. The costs of the project have been closely examined and initial indications are that for the project to proceed, it may be necessary to omit two planned stations at Island Gardens and Cutty Sark. Consultation will take place before a final decision is taken.
The project is a joint venture under the Government's private finance initiative which encourages private sector investment in capital projects which have traditionally been carried out by the Government. Lewisham council will contribute £5 million towards the joint venture.
The Lewisham line will enhance the docklands light railway's commercial standing and help it prepare for privatisation, which will bring yet further improvements in the service to passengers. I am considering the options for privatisation in the light of expert advice and will announce my decision soon.