§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the Government's principal proposals for new(a) rail, (b) underground, (c) road and (d) river projects in London; and on which of them progress is expected in 1994.
§ Mr. NorrisOn Network SouthEast, work continues on the Kent link route modernisation at a total cost of £800 million, involving infrastructure upgrading and rolling stock replacement. On the London, Tilbury and Southend line, an £83 million contract for the major physical works on the line was signed with GEC Alsthom Signalling Ltd. in January last year. An £85 million re-signalling scheme on the Great Eastern is steadily being extended on lines out of Liverpool Street. We expect good progress to be made on all of these schemes in 1994, including the completion of the Kent link and much of the London, Tilbury and Southend work.
777WOn the existing London Underground network, further progress is being made on a range of schemes in 1994 including the £750 million modernisation of the Central line and the train refurbishment programme. Construction of the Jubilee line extension is under way, and we expect the Crossrail Bill to continue its passage through Parliament, with a view to the project proceeding as a joint venture with a substantial private sector contribution. The DLR extension to Beckton is expected to open by the end of March, and the Lewisham extension is being taken forward as a private finance initiative.
Progress with implementing the London trunk road schemes in "Trunk Roads, England: Into the 1990s" is continuing. The A406 Harrow road and A40 Long lane trunk road schemes will be completed this year. The Department has also let contracts for the advance and main works on the Al3 Thames avenue to Wennington scheme, two of the three main contracts have also been let for the A406 Silver street to Hall lane scheme and the main works contract has been let for the A406 east of Falloden way to east of Finchley road scheme. Implementation of the 315-mile red route network will begin later this year. We are conducting a review of the trunk road programme, and we shall make an announcement when the results of the review are known.
The River Thames working group, which I chair, is examining the benefits and potential of maximising transport on the Thames. I hope to publish a report of the group's findings in the summer. The Thames festival is now being planned for 1995 by the London Arts Board and the London Council for Sport and Recreation, with Government support towards the planning stage. This will be a major cultural and recreational celebration embracing many events on the River Thames and its banks.